Shop Local, Eat Fresh at the Saratoga Farmers' Market | Food, Crafts, Music in Saratoga Springs

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Fall foods and festivities at the farmers’ market

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By Julia Howard

 

If you are local to Saratoga Springs, you’ve probably heard about the 7th Annual Giant Pumpkinfest happening this Saturday, September 24th, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free, family-friendly event is a collaboration between the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, the Saratoga Springs City Center, and the Saratoga Farmers’ Market. 

At 9 a.m., the farmers’ market bell will ring, signaling a start to the festivities. Pumpkinfest is a special day for the Saratoga Farmers’ Market as vendors will feature pumpkin-themed products like pumpkin chèvre, pumpkin peanut butter, pumpkin pies, pumpkin spice lattes, and, of course, the pumpkins themselves. Local farms will bring a plethora of pumpkins and gourds of all shapes, sizes, and colors. 

Market-goers will also find free, fun activities at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, like a “guess the weight of the pumpkin” contest, no-mess pumpkin painting for children, live music performances, and a pumpkin rolling contest on the lawn. The farmers’ market will be open until 1 p.m. at High Rock Park.

Pumpkins at Burger’s Market Garden, photo by Pattie Garrett

At the Saratoga City Center Parking Garage on High Rock Avenue, spectators will find the giant pumpkins on display, with a competitive weigh-off beginning at 11 a.m. Additionally, more vendors will be set up outside the parking garage until 4 pm.

The farmers’ market is ideal for experiencing the seasonal transition into fall. Summer’s offerings give way to the upbeat of the autumnal rhythm, introducing winter squash, brightly colored mums, and freshly-picked apples. 

You will find fall staples like apple cider, cider donuts, jams, and pies. And vendors’ tables will continue to be abundant with cabbage, beets, potatoes, peppers, and more. Farm-raised meats and poultry, fresh eggs, artisan cheeses, baked goods, and many other locally sourced items are available throughout the season. 

Otrembiak Farm, photo by Pattie Garrett, 2018

Fall also initiates a season of activities at the farmers’ market. Every Wednesday in October, from 3 to 6 p.m., the market will offer live music, a craft, and an activity for children and families. 

On Wednesday, October 26, local families are invited to a Halloween costume contest for kids, trick or treating, crafts, and activities hosted by market volunteers and the Saratoga Springs Public Library.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at High Rock Park. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Spring Festival Celebrates Farming In Your Own Backyard

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By Himanee Gupta-Carlson

Mark your calendars for April 27. The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is closing out its final indoor market with its fourth annual Spring Festival. The 9 a.m.-1 p.m. event takes place at the Lincoln Baths Building in the Saratoga Spa State Park, and features four free workshops, face paintings, complimentary beverages, and more.

The annual festival comes just one week after the market’s Easter celebration this Saturday. Like the Easter celebration, the festival’s focus is on spring and farming.

However, the festival will offer more than the products of our farms. It will help you learn what goes into growing, raising, and making some of them, and offer you some useful tips for giving these crafts a try yourself. It is aimed at helping everyone: market regulars, newcomers to the Saratoga area and weekend visitors.

So, have you yearned to keep bees? Would you like to savor the joy of gathering up fresh eggs straight from your coop? Do you need a refresher on growing flowers, fruits or vegetables? Would you like to start your own kombucha brew? If yes – or even maybe – check the workshops out. Attend all four and receive a free Saratoga Farmers’ Market canvas tote.

The schedule includes:
9 a.m. Beekeeping with Rick Green, owner of Ballston Lake Apiaries and a longtime area beekeeper.
10 a.m. Backyard Poultry Basics for Beginners with Andrea Love Smith, a Cornell Cooperative Extension Services educator.
11 a.m. Gardening for Beginners with Lori Bishop, a master gardener with Cornell Cooperative Extension Services.
Noon. Fermentation with Diane Whitten, a food and nutrition educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension Services.

Beekeeping workshop hosted by Rick Green of Ballston Lake Apiaries
Backyard Poultry Basics for Beginners workshop hosted by Andrea Love Smith
Beginner Gardener workshop hosted by Lori Bishop

 

One of the best things about these workshops is their emphasis on basics. The facilitators can answer questions and offer tips to everyone, regardless of whether they’re newcomers to farming or veterans.

The market also will feature its usual lineup of live music, and of course, its array of farm produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, and artisanal goods. A face painter also will be on hand for children.

Easter Market – Saturday, April 20

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When: Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Prepare for your Easter festivities at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market on Saturday, April 20 at 65 S. Broadway, Lincoln Baths, Saratoga State Park, Saratoga Springs. You’ll find an extensive variety of locally grown and freshly harvested produce, locally sourced meat, cheese, farm fresh eggs, cakes, bread, wine and spirits, and much more. Children and families may enjoy a free egg dying activity hosted by the Friends of the Saratoga Market. And, live music by Craic Agus Ceol.

Opening Day Celebration – Saturday, May 4

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When: Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

On, Saturday, May 4, we will be celebrating a new season at High Rock Park! At 9 a.m., join us for a special gathering with Mayor Kelly, Assemblywoman Woerner, special guests, and founding market members. After the ceremony, the market will officially open with live music, activities for children and families, and the best locally-produced food, flowers, garden starters, prepared food, and more! We are thrilled to continue to offer our pre-order, pre-pay shopping app FreshFoodNY as well as an awesome biking incentive program with Bicycle Benefits this season.

Opening Day at High Rock Park – Wednesday, May 1

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When: Wednesday, May 1, 3-6 p.m.

Our Wednesday Market at High Rock Park will open on May 2, 3-6 pm! Join us for an afternoon of food, fun, and live music as we celebrate a new season. We are thrilled to offer several new vendors this season and an online app for pre-order and scheduled pick-up. Fresh, local, fun!

Spring Festival – Saturday, April 13

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When: Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

It’s a celebration of spring at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market! On April 13, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., enjoy workshops, family activities, and delicious local food that celebrates spring. This event and workshops are free and open to the community. Workshop schedule: 9 a.m. – Beekeeping with Rick Green, 10 a.m. – Fermentation with Diane Whitten, Cornell Cooperative Extention Nutrition Educator, 11 a.m. – TBA, 12 p.m. – TBA. Spring-themed family activities hosted by TBA, 9am to 1pm. We’ll also have live music, special guests, and the best food in town! Find us at 65 S. Broadway, the Lincoln Baths building, in Saratoga Springs.