Farmer’s Market Returns to Pelham for Second Year

With the entrance of Harmon Avenue off Fifth Avenue closed to traffic, the first farmer’s market of the 2011 season began with three vendors selling fresh breads, organic fruits, vegetables and nuts, and fair-trade organic coffee.

Beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday Pelham’s very own community market returned for another year. The big change for this year is that instead of Sunday mornings, the farmer’s market will be held on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Community Markets, an Ossining company that organizes and brings farmer’s markets to towns all over Westchester County, Rockland County, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, is in charge of the farmer’s market.

Organizers thought Saturday was a better time for families to come, as opposed to Sunday mornings when spiritual obligations usually coincided with the market. Additionally, the Saturday market is scheduled at the same time as other markets in the area, which makes it easier for the vendors, some traveling from as much as three hours away, to distribute their wares.   

There were three vendors present at Saturday’s market. They were Meredith’s Bread of Kingston, which brought a variety of baked goods and jams; Migliorelli Farm of Tivoli, specializing in organic produce; and Tierra Farms of Valatie, which sold organic roasted nuts and fair-trade coffee. 

For some, the small number of vendors dampened the excitement of the beginning of market season.

“It was a good effort, but I wish they had more vendors,” said former Pelham Village Trustee Mia Homan, who is personally responsible for bringing the farmer’s market to Pelham.    

Luckily, this will not be the case in the future Pelham farmer’s markets. According to Community Markets representative Brenda Ryan and site manager Michelle McBriarty, as the season progresses there will be more vendors joining the ranks, demonstrations such as the art of canning, live music, and bicycle and dog stations. 

Next week the farmer’s market will be participating in the Pelham Street Fair and will be located on Second Street.

 It’s regular place and time will be on the corner of Harmon Avenue and Fifth Avenue from 8:3 0a.m. until 2 p.m. Updates about the market can be found on their Facebook page.