Vendors sought for farmer’s market in Central Park

By Tucker Henderson

Reporter

As warmer weather comes along and greenery pokes through, fresh produce is on the minds of many in this area.

The New York Mills Farmer’s Market will be open for business from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday, starting May 27 at the Central Park shelter accross the street from City Hall. Vendors are still being sought for the 2023 season, which runs from about May to October each year.

“We would like to see full-season vendors, but are willing to be flexible,” said organizer, Shannon Baril. “We also have a community table for those that just can’t make it to the Market and want to sell extra produce for a fee.”

Vendors are invited to join to sell their fresh produce, canned goods, culinary treats, and homemade handicrafts.

“To sell baked goods and canned goods, you need a cottage license,” said Baril of the state requirements. “If you sell things you’ve made, you need to have sales tax.”

This is Baril’s first year as organizer of the event. In years past, Pat Fredley has organized the Farmer’s Market and Baril is grateful for her example as a leader and is looking forward to stepping into the role this summer.

“I’m looking forward to seeing all the familiar faces that we’ve seen last year and the year before,” said Baril. “I always look forward to going out to Finn Creek for the Festival, that’s always an exciting thing to look forward to.”

Baril mentioned that Saturday will be the main day for the Farmer’s Market, but Wednesdays are also a possibility towards the end of the season. Right now though, Baril is looking forward to a spring start.

“I know the first day, we we will have radishes, baked goods, and canned goods of course,” said Baril. “Maybe some lettuce. It will be slow going at first since it’s been such a late start.”

This will be the 15th year that the NY Mills Farmer’s Market has been in operation. The first was held in 2008 to try and highlight the regional agriculture aspect of the community. Early supporters of the idea were Pat Fredley, Shirley Goins, and Dana Bahr. Ever since the first market, vendors have been selling their products and customers have been lining up to see what they’ve got for sale.

“Usually, we go until it’s too cold,” said Baril. “Sometimes, that’s into October.”

“Someone had to take over the Farmer’s Market because we didn’t want the NY Mills Market to die,” said Baril. “Especially for us with fresh produce.”

Baril was worried for a while that the Farmer’s Market was destined to close, but now she is excited to see where this year takes the annual market.