Medina farmers’ market opens for season this Saturday

Musicians, artisans and food trucks will join many farm vendors

Provided photos: Dark Road Duo will perform at the market this year.

Press Release, Canal Village Farmers’ Market

MEDINA – This Saturday is opening day at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market in Medina and everyone involved couldn’t be more excited.

“After a very long, tough year of Covid restrictions and uncertainty, there is a palpable feeling that this year’s market season is going to be better than ever,” said Chris Busch, President of the Orleans Renaissance Group. “Interest in the market has never been stronger and we’ve never been more excited for opening day.”

The Orleans Renaissance Group or ORG is the 501(c)(3) organization that sponsors the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.

Human Farms of Appleton, one of the market vendors, offers a variety of vegetables.

“This past year, I think everyone has really come to appreciate things they may have taken for granted, like being able to gather Saturday mornings at the market,” Busch said. “People are so ready for some normalcy and interaction, and we’re excited to be able to provide that for the community.”

Gail Miller, manager of the market agreed and sees this year’s market as perhaps the best ever.

“Interest in the market has been fantastic,” Miller said. “I am looking forward to a great summer season for the Canal Village Farmers’ Market. There is a lot more going on this year so watch the market Facebook page to see selections each week. So much to choose from.”

Returning anchor vendors include: Baker Farms, Roberts Farm Market, Human Farms, LynOaken Farms, Gardner’s Gardens, Catherine Street Bakery, and Jamm ‘N Cookies.

Products include local beef, pork, chicken, garlic, garlic powder, eggs, mushrooms, cheese, numerous fruit and vegetables options, cut flowers, herbs, BBQ sauce, herb blends, tea blends, fudge, jam, jellies, sea salts, cookies, pies, cakes, breads, scones, muffins, and much more.

New vendors at the market include NewHouse Breads selling breads, scones, focaccia, pizza crusts, cinnamon rolls and more, with many vegan and gluten-free options. Also Heartland Organics selling organically raised mushroom varieties, dried mushrooms, cut flowers and fresh organic herbs. Catherine Street Bakery will be back with expanded offerings of primitive crafts and antiques. HeBrews Coffee will also be at the market every week serving iced coffee, Bubble Tea and bagels.

“There are new vendors, new products, tastings, music, and children/family activities too. Several of the new items are mushrooms and gluten free vegan baked goods. There will be coffee, bubble tea, and bagels each Saturday,” said Miller. “There are multiple farmers offering vegetables and fruit, beef, pork, chicken, and eggs. Inquiries from other potential vendors continue to come in each week, so we may yet grow a little more. It’s very exciting.”

This season will see expanded food truck visits at the market.

“There will be food trucks rotating in and out throughout the season,” said Miller. “Medina native, Evin Galbreath brought the Left-Handed Spatula food truck from Rochester last season. It was hugely popular and we’re really excited to have him back along with a few new trucks.”

In addition to the Left-Handed Spatula and weekly anchor, El Gran Burrito, other food trucks scheduled at the market include Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza from Albion and Parker’s Pit BBQ and Greenlief’s On The Go from Middleport. All are scheduled for visits throughout the season. Dubby’s will be on site for Opening Day.

Wineries, Mead and Spirits will make a return as well. Scheduled to return throughout the season are 810 Meadworks, Leonard Oakes Estate Winery, Victorianbourg Estate Winery and Schulze Winery & Vineyard. Black Button Distillery will also be back every month.

“We’ve been contacted by quite a few artisans and crafters, and spots are still available,” said Miller. “There will be more to announce soon.”

Customers make selections from Roberts Farm Market in Medina.

Artisans and crafters include Stillwater Pottery, HateCuddler Craftworks or HCC, Laurel’s By The Creek, and Swan Woodworks.

Also returning this season will be live music. “We’ve really missed the live music vibe at the market,” said Busch. “ORG sponsors the market and certainly appreciates the importance of live music.” Scheduled so far: recording artist Barry DiGregorio, Thomas Reid Keefer solo, and Dark Road Duo.

“We’re always looking for musicians and sponsors for music at the market,” said Busch. “Interested musicians or those interested in sponsoring music at the market should reach out via our Facebook page- Canal Village Farmers’ Market.

As always, patrons will see the customary colorful canopies and vendor tables- all hallmarks of the community farmer’s market. The market will also continue to follow current CDC and NYS guidelines.

“Changes to protocols are on-going with improvements occurring almost weekly with Covid restrictions in New York State,” said Miller. “It will be so wonderful to see some smiles again this season. With new guidelines from the CDC and the state, masks are no longer required if vaccinated.”

Miller continued, “And as required if you are not vaccinated we ask that you please wear a mask at the market. Also if you are more comfortable wearing a mask (even if vaccinated), you may do that too! We want the market to be a healthy, comfortable and welcoming place for the entire community.”

The market also has some new options for making sales transactions.

“While most market transactions continue to use cash, most all of our vendors now offer additional forms of payment, including, credit via Square, PayPal and Venmo,” said Miller. “Payment options at the market have never been more convenient.”

The market accepts Senior Coupons, WIC, SNAP, and Fresh Connect Checks, and will soon be able to offer Double Up Food Bucks to SNAP recipients. More information is available at the Market Manager’s Tent.

The market is located in Downtown Medina at 127 West Center Street (across from the Post Office), and is open every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Miller, the market manager, can be reached at canalvillagemarket@gmail.com.