Farmers markets abound in the Harlem Valley

HARLEM VALLEY— Spending some weekend time shopping at one of the four farmers markets in the area does more than provide farm to table produce. The support also helps to preserve the beauty of the rural landscape, according to North East town Supervisor George Kaye. 

Kaye noted that while large farms are going out of business due to economic concerns such as high costs of equipment and land, “The one bright spot in that area are the small farms on limited acreage, the CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) and the farm markets that are taking over to keep the supply of goods — especially things such as vegetables and fruits and things of that nature -— going in the area. So it’s an extremely important niche for farmers coming into the area here.” 

This summer season the markets will feature dozens of vendors offering a cornucopia of locally grown delights. Each venue offers a unique experience, often including live music, art of various sorts and children’s events. 

Millerton

At the Millerton market, eight students from the North East Community Center (NECC) provide a youthful touch as they learn about farm marketing by helping vendors, providing samples while demonstrating food preparation, running craft activities for visiting children and selling produce they grow as part of the summer JOBS program. 

Voter registration will also be available at the outdoor market each Saturday starting May 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the grounds of the Methodist Church on the corner of Dutchess Avenue and Main Street. 

Copake/Hillsdale

The Copake Hillsdale farmers market’s claim to fame is its location as part of a former farm.  The Harvest Barn, located in Roeliff Jansen Park in Copake, will provide regular vendors with a  covered venue, starting every Saturday, May 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

According to director Nicole Friedrick, one of seven volunteers who “are pretty committed” to running the market, local artisans are also offered spots outside the barn to sell handcrafted items on the last Saturday of every month. 

She said its location, adjacent to the library, helps provide for children’s activities. As a park, “It’s also a destination, because you can market, sit at tables, go on a hike or down to the creek and spend several hours if you’d like.” 

Millbrook

At the Millbrook farmers market, book signing by authors — some local, some from out of state — all sponsored by the Merritt Bookstore, will be among the many offerings both traditional and unique. 

Run by market manager and high school student Justin O’Hearn, farm goods will be joined by breads and pastries, crafts, photos, paintings, spirits and quilts. The weekly market will open Memorial Day weekend, May 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, in the municipal parking lot opposite the Bank of  Millbrook, 323 Franklin Ave.  

Amenia

While Amenia’s year-round farmers market at the Town Hall parking lot is undergoing some changes, it will still maintain its regular hours of Fridays from 3 to 7:30 p.m., timed to allow late train arrivals to take advantage of the offerings, according to volunteer director Lynn Mordas of Dashing Star Farm. She, along with Coco’s Crumbs’ Leela Dinunzio and dog biscuit chef Linda Bloomer, is working to convert the market to nonprofit status while hopefully doubling the number of vendors by the end of the season. 

Mordas said, “We are trying to get as many people from the local area as we can in order to benefit the local community.” They also invite local artists to take advantage of free space to display their work.   

More details including lists of vendors; items offered; special events; rules regarding pets; and payment options including credit and debit cards, EBT/SNAP and Senior and WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks and Health Bucks are available from market managers or at each markets’ website. They are: www.millertonfarmersmarket.org, www.copakehillsdalefarmersmarket.com, www.millbrooknyfarmersmarket.com and www.ameniafarmersmarket.com.