Farmers’ market in Medina welcomes new vendors

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Mary Moffet, cheese maker, and Ella Sosik, sales and marketing, were promoting Oakfield Artisanal Cheese on June 6 as new vendors at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.

MEDINA – The corner of West Center Street and West Avenue is again a beehive of activity with the move of the Canal Village Farmers’ Market back to its summer home. The market is on a mission to grow its vendor base and dedicated customer base, said market manager Gail Miller.

“The vendors won’t stay with the market if they do not have good sales, and attracting customers is not easy if there is not enough variety,” she said. “The market this week had a great selection, with several new vendors, and we will be adding more new vendors this season.”

This will include another vegetable farm, flowers, crafts and more. Baker Farms, in addition to their own raised beef and pork, garlic, eggs and scapes, will be selling Heartland Organics mushrooms.

“We are looking for a soap vendors, wineries and other unique items,” Miller said. ”Watch the farmers’ market Facebook and Instagram pages to see all the wonderful products available each week.”

One new vendor is Oakfield Artisanal Cheese, a farm which started making cheese three and one-half years ago. They will return to the market one day a month.

Peggy Schreck helps a young child choose a book at Kids Activity Tent at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market on June 6.

Another new vendor with a new craft is Aimee Cummings of Lyndonville. She paints watercolor greeting cards. She has also gone to the Akron Farmers’ Market. She said Gail was happy to have her at this market.

“I love doing the cards,” she said. “I’m not an artist, but rather think of myself as a crafter.”

Other crafts will include crocheted and handsewn items.

At another table, volunteer Rosann Russo sold plants which had been donated to the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.

Starting soon, Kimbrel Farm will be a regular, selling lettuce, spinach, peas, carrots, beets, basil and dill, and Rosario Farm will be here with fruits and vegetables.

They join regulars, Bower Family Farm and Greenhouse (microgreens, maple syrup and jam); Hazel and Honey Bakes (scones, cookies, sourdough); LockRidge Apiary (honey, bees wax); a variety of crafts; and Flower Fields Forever.

Melinda Cervantes arranges flowers in Human Farms and Greenhouse’s booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market. They also have Stone Hollow Farms bread.

The market will be participating in Medina Area Partnership’s upcoming Faery Festival this Saturday, and in July, the third annual Zucchini 500 will return.

Chef Caitlin from Shelridge Country made her first appearance last week, making a dish from local seasonal vegetables and fruit. She will return once a month throughout the summer. Miller said they are looking for additional chefs to do demonstrations.

On Aug. 15, the market will sponsor a Dog Days of Summer photo competition.

As Miller pointed out, running and participating in a farmers’ market does not come without its challenges.

“The most difficult situations for everyone to hand are when it is very windy,” Miller said about a recent Saturday. “All of us started out with tents up and a good amount of weight holding each one down. Strong winds came up and three of the market tents’ frames were bent or just totally collapsed on themselves.”

When a strong gust comes through, tents will either collapse or fly into the air. And often vendors lose some of their products, Miller said. Finally, all tents were taken down before the market closed.

The Royalton-Hartland Community Library took the opportunity to promote their summer activities at a booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market. At left is librarian Angelina Dimascio with Liz Winters, chair of Friends of the Library.

A state grant announced last year will result in enhanced facilities and the end of weather-related problems for the market.

“The reinvented building will allow the market to operate in the same space year round,” Miller said. “Our customers will no longer need to hunt for us during the winter, and they will be able to enjoy green space to sit and enjoy music and conversation. Artists would be more willing to attend, as their art would be protected from the elements. The farmers will have an upgraded area to sell from – warm in winter and shelter from the wind and rain in the summer. It also opens opportunities for farmers to perhaps offer their products for sale at additional times during the week.”

Unfortunately, there is no timeline when construction of that new facility will begin, as more fundraising has to take place.

The Canal Village Farners’ Market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Rep from Veterans’ Affairs will be at market on Saturday

A representative from the NYS Division of Veterans’ Affairs will be at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market this Saturday with farmers’ market coupons available for veterans and eligible family members.

They are part of the FreshConnect Check Program used to buy produce and food goods at local farmers’ markets and farm stands.