From Farm to Market to You
by Megan Phelan
Local farmers’ markets provide a pleasant way to get groceries and more
Clinton Bailey MarketHaving first opened in October of 1930, the Clinton Bailey Farmer’s Market is the largest privately owned farmer’s market in New York State.
It is still going strong with many local vendors coming to its location on Clinton and Bailey seven days a week. The market sells a wide assortment of ripe, locally grown fruits and vegetables, most picked the morning they are sold. Various other goods, such as honeys, jams, baked goods, and more are also sold throughout the week. For those looking to have a garden of their own, the Clinton Bailey market supplies live plants to grow your favorite fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs right at home.
Many of the vendors have been here 20 years or more and find customers not only enjoy the fresh produce, they like supporting local farms, too.
Chelsea of Desi’s Produce is one of those who has been selling at the market for 20 years.
“I’ve been here forever,” she said, “I enjoy the atmosphere. You see your regular customers and new faces, too. Saturdays are nice because there are a lot of different stands. People come out and sell chocolates, and goat milk and crazy stuff.”
There are a multitude of regular customers and there is a longtime consistency of vendors, as well.
“People who come here have been coming here for years,” said Chelsea. “You see so many familiar faces that when you lose a stand, everyone’s like ‘Oh my god, what happened?’ Everyone knows everyone.”
Matthew from J+M Produce has also been at the Clinton Bailey Market for years, as the J+M stand is now almost 30 years old.
“You meet a lot of different types of people here. Nice people,” he said. “And it’s a beautiful area, being surrounded by the flowers.” With many flower vendors, the market is full of colorful blooms in the summertime. It creates a nice atmosphere for both the customers and the vendors.
The Clinton Bailey Market has built a great community for itself among the vendors and the long time customers.
“We try to be very, community-conscious,” Matthew said. A lot of other farmers’ markets will let almost anyone out there, but you have to pass an interview before you’re allowed to sell here.”
With so many vendors that have been coming for decades, you can be sure that those at the Clinton Bailey Market are some of the best in the Buffalo area.
The Kenmore Farmers Market is easy to spot on its location at the Kenmore Municipal Green right off of Delaware Ave. Open From June 24 to October 25 on Saturdays, from 8:00am to 12:30pm, the lively Kenmore Farmers’ Market is sure to offer a great variety of fresh local produce and flowers, as well as many other artisan made goods.
The market first started in 2000, and was previously in the Municipal Parking Lot, but moved to the Municipal Green three years later. Now, with its new location, the market gets plenty of foot traffic and attention. Despite its small venue, the market has a variety of vendors, and is always packed with customers.
Those walking through can stop to get a cup of locally roasted coffee, pick up delicious artisan pasta for dinner, discover a wide assortment of flavored olive oils, or browse through beautiful handmade jewelry. No matter which stand they shop at, customers are supporting their local vendors and their community.
Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers MarketLocated in the beautiful Elmwood Village, the Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers’ Market is a producer only market. Everything sold at the market is hand grown or hand made locally by the vendors. Market vendors are at the top of their craft, and always provide professional products to their customers.
Open May 10 through November 29 on Saturdays from 8:00 am—1:00 pm, the market features over thirty local vendors with a wide assortment of wares from fresh fruit and vegetables, to baked goods, wine, pasta, soaps, dog treats, and more. The wide variety of goods and the live entertainment make the Elmwood-Bidwell Farmer’s Market a lively community event.
Kerry Beiter of Alpine Made LLC has been selling her goat milk soap—made with the milk of goats she raises herself—at the market for just two years, but she and other newcomers, already feel the sense of community the market provides for the vendors and customers.
“Along with the enormity of people who support us, there’s also a sense of community belonging at this market,” she said. “People don’t come just to shop for quality, locally grown products, they come together to socialize and belong, or want connection to a larger whole.”
The market gets a lot of foot traffic, even in the early mornings, which is especially good for the vendors. Customers come to take part in the experience of supporting local farmers and artisans, as well as socialize.
“Every Saturday,” said Kerry, “I experience a warm, energy flow and connection to both my neighbor vendors and my customers.”
Allentown Farmers MarketElmwood at Virginia/EdwardMay 30—Oct. 31, Fridays 4—7 pmA new, small market to bring fresh, locally grown produce and local food to the residents of Allentown. Select restaurants will also be preparing healthy meals and desserts for shoppers to take home and enjoy. Clinton Bailey Farmers Market1443-1517 Clinton StreetMay—November: Sunday—Friday 7am-6pm; Saturdays 6am—6pm. November—April: Saturdays 6am—1pmA co–op of Western New York farmers who offer not only produce, but flowers, vegetable plants, herbs, shrubs, and Christmas Trees in Winter as well. Connect Market / Horsefeather’s Summer Market346 Connecticut StStarts May 10, Saturdays 10am—2pmA summer foods market on the West side that offers food and organic produce and sundries in order to create an active and welcoming neighborhood. Downtown Country MarketMain St. between Court and Church St.June 12—Oct. 23, Tuesdays & Thursdays 8am—2:30pmOpen for 32 years, offers fresh produce to the downtown area. ECMC Farmers Market at GriderECMC Visitor Parking Lot “A”May 21—Oct. 29, Fridays 1am—3pmProviding fresh produce and $6 barbeque lunch for the community. Tagline: “Growing Healthy Together” Elmwood Bidwell Farmers MarketElmwood and BidwellMay 10—Nov 29, Saturdays 8am—1pmA producer-only market on Bidwell Parkway, supporting a diverse and healthy local community and economy. |
Highland Park’s Farmers MarketFridays from June—Dec, 11:00am—5:30pm25 years of supplying fresh food and entertainment to their community. North Buffalo Farmers MarketHoly Spirit Church on HertelJune 19—Nov. 6, Thursdays 3—7pmCelebrating the community through connecting with local growers and artists. Kenmore Farmers MarketKenmore Municipal GreenJune 21—Oct 25, Saturdays 8am—12:30pmA market to support local farmers, artists, and crafters while enjoying fresh produce, flowers, and baked goods. The Larkin MarketLarkin SquareJuly 10—Sept. 18, Thursdays 4—7:30pmA lively market of local vendors in the heart of Larkinville. Roswell Park Cancer Institute Farmers MarketKaminski Park and Gardens (Elm and Carlton St.)May 21—Sept. 10, Wednesdays 11am—2pmProviding fresh and local fruits, vegetables, jams, pasta, baked goods, desserts, soaps, pet food, and more! South Buffalo Farmers MarketCaz Casino at Casenovia Park (28 Cazenovia St)Sundays 10am—2pmA farmers market for the residents of South Buffalo to shop for locally produced goods and support the community. University Community Farmers MarketUB Townsend Lot (Main and Englewood)May 17—Oct. 18, Saturdays 8am—1 pmA community event to bring fresh produce to the area and support local area businesses. |
Blasdell Farmers Market3785 South Park Avenue, BlasdellJune 4—Oct. 15, Wednesdays 9am—2 pmThree years running, provides fresh and healthy local produce and is open rain or shine. East Aurora Farmers MarketAurora Village Shopping CenterMay 3—Nov. 26, Saturdays and Wednesdays 7am—1 pmFeatures seventy local vendors who provide fresh, local produce for the community. Hamburg Farmers MarketVillage of Hamburg Municipal Parking LotMay 3—Nov. 1 Saturdays 7:30am—1 pmOffers fresh, local produce, and activities to help get residents involved in the community. Open rain or shine. |
Main Street MarketplaceWest Seneca/West Seneca Town HallMay 15—Sept. 4, Thursdays 4—7:30pmOpen-air, dog-friendly farmers market with many local vendors and entertainment. Open rain or shine. Williamsville Farmers Market at the Mill56 East Spring St, WilliamsvilleMay 17—Oct. 25, Saturdays 8am—12:30pmMarket for homegrown produce and village get together for the community. There are free children’s activities and live entertainment. |
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