An Insiders View of the Farmers Market
By Heather Cassidy
The New York Mills Farmers Market will run Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9AM to 1PM through Summer. It is located at the Sculpture Park on Highway 10 and 67.
Farmers’ Market Day 1 was a success! Children were laughing and playing, neighbors were catching up with each other, there was an aura of excitement in the air, and the weather was beautiful.
Advertising is so important! Thanks to a grant from the Horizons project, and some steadfast volunteers on the Farmers’ Market Board, everyone who came to New York Mills encountered some well built sandwich board signs with stark black and white advertisement for the Farmers’ Market, and eye catching banners waving near the busy highways. In an unscientific poll of the market customers I found out that the articles in the newspaper, free spots on the radio, and signage all helped to create a successful first day for the vendors in attendance.
The farmers’ in attendance included:
Andrea, a local organic pork producer from Menagha,
Norene from Morris, who grew many varieties of tomato plants and peppers in her greenhouse from seed,
Heather, a horticulturist/landscape designer selling little houseplant cuttings and homemade chocolate chip cookies,
Pat Fredley, the cornerstone of the Farmers’ Market Board, sold fudge and daylilies,
Beth Super sold ointments and shea butters, including one that heals poison ivy,
Mary Lee Weaver had a nice selection of tomatoes and bedding plants,
The Jacobsens sold perennial divisions and Watkins products,
Stephanie Goins sold pumpkin seedlings and baked goods,
And Jack from the Creamery brought hot gourmet coffee and muffin tops.
While most vendors will be waiting for our gardens to begin bearing produce, beginning next Wednesday Dallas Flynn and Gary Senske will start harvesting and selling their high-tunnel raised produce, including lettuces, radishes, some cucumbers and tomatoes. (High tunnels are clear hoop houses over the garden that extend the growing season by several weeks in Spring and Fall). Also coming soon is Mike Hamp from Calico Farms near Huntersville. He will soon have 26 varieties of tomatoes for sale, in addition to a huge variety of other berries and vegetables.
The Farmers’ Market Board is looking for fundraiser groups to sell refreshments or produce or plants to benefit your group. You must receive prior authorization from Pat Fredley to conduct your fundraising during the Farmers Market. We are especially interested in a group that would sell fresh grilled Bison burgers or ice cream! What could your group sell to raise money? Call Pat Fredley to reserve your date now, since only 1 fundraiser group will be allowed to participate each day of the market.
Something else the Farmers’ Market Board is working toward is recruiting artists, crafty people, and master gardeners to conduct activities during the market to add ambiance. We want live music playing, and quilting or knitting demonstrations, a master gardener Q and A booth, a pruning seminar, an apple tree expert,……. The possibilities are endless. If you or someone you know would like to add to the “magic of the market” by sharing your unique talent, contact Heather Cassidy 385-2229 (horthelper@lakesplus.com).
Many hours of volunteer work have been put in by the Farmers’ Market board members. A special thanks to Pat Fredley, who has seen this project through since it was only a grand idea!
The Farmers market will benefit the businesses in the area through heavier traffic flow; and the people of New York Mills by making nutritious produce available at a good price without a long drive. The Farmers’ market also increases the sustainability of our town by providing local food producers a venue for their products, helping to keep our food dollars local.
If you or your company would like to support the New York Mills Farmers’ Market, please consider a tax deductible donation to Friends of the New York Mills Farmers. The money will be used to support operating costs of the market. For more information contact Pat Fredley at 385- 2987.
Are you a Farmer, looking to diversify your income stream? Sell your locally grown produce at our highly visible market. We still need: bison, elk, chicken and beef producers, berry growers, more honey, syrup, mushrooms, jams and jellies, any other local food you produce! Call Heather Cassidy to become a member of the Farmers’ Market. The membership fee is affordable.