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Special Events

Fall foods and festivities at the farmers’ market

September 21, 2022 By marketeditor

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.

Filed Under: event, Featured Article, homepage feature, News, Special Events, Upcoming Events

POP Club Calendar 2022

June 21, 2022 By marketeditor

Sponsored by The Christopher Dailey Foundation

www.saratogafarmersmarket.org

Wednesdays, 3-6 pm

June 29 End of School Celebration

Free Concert by Jack & Steve Zucchini

Pizza garden activity at POP Club

Jodie Fitz & Fidget Plants a Pizza Garden

Crafts with the Saratoga Spring Public Library

Free face painting by Artsy Fartsy Facepaint 

July 6 Explore herbs with Pitney Meadows Community Farm

Smell, touch, and taste various herbs, and vote for your favorite

Tea tasting with mint and lemon balm tea

July 13 Fit food with Cornell Coop. Ext. Food & Nutrition

Bicycle-blend a smoothie with the Fender Blender

Take the 2 Bites Challenge and sample in-season veggies

July 20 Flower power with the Saratoga Springs Public Library

Lollipop flower craft

Flower ID activity

July 27 Buzz like a bee with Little Wings Farm School

Honeybee craft

Learn about our pollinators’ favorite flowers

Try a taste of local honey 

 

Aug 3 Construct with 4-H Robotics

Hands-on robot demonstrations with Ozobots

Giant robot demo on the lawn

Build fruit and vegetable constructs with toothpicks

Aug 10 Musical food with Caffè Lena Music School

Make percussion instruments out of recycled tins and dried beans. 

Learn about beans and their nutritional content

Aug 17 C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios

Activities TBA

Aug 24 Our 5 Senses with The Children’s Museum of Saratoga

Sensory garden activities

Aug 31 Go fishing with the Saratoga Springs Public Library

Paper plate fish craft

Take the 2 Bites Challenge and sample in-season fruit

 

Filed Under: Did You Know, homepage feature, News, POP, Special Events, Upcoming Events Tagged With: children's activities, POP 2022, Saratoga Farmers' Market, Upcoming Events

Learning the Power of Produce

June 21, 2022 By marketeditor

By Julia Howard

 

As Saratoga-area children anticipate their last day of school, the first question on many parents’ minds is, “what are we going to do all summer?” The Saratoga Farmers’ Market’s Power of Produce Club offers children and families a free and easy answer to that question. 

Power of Pop Club, photo by Pattie Garrett

 Power of Produce Club (also known as POP Club) is a 10-week program that begins next Wednesday, June 29, and runs through the end of August. It takes place each Wednesday, 3-6 p.m. at the farmers’ market, and gives both children and their parents a chance to learn about local foods and farming in a hands-on way. 

POP Club is open to children of all ages and abilities. Each time participants visit the Wednesday market, they will receive a $2 POP coin that kids can use to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from a farmer of their choice. The coins are geared toward children between the ages of 5 and 12. In addition, children will receive a stamp on a POP passport. After receiving four stamps, children will be eligible for a prize.

POP Club Coin

The project aims to help children see how food and farming are intrinsically connected to strengthening community ties. By buying produce from our vendors, children form what might turn into lifelong relationships with local farmers. At the same time, children gain basic money skills and participate in weekly activities that offer a sense of how to enjoy local produce when it is at its finest.

Power of Produce Club is made possible by support from The Christopher Dailey Foundation. In addition, educational activities are being organized by numerous community partners like The Children’s Museum of Saratoga, Pitney Meadows Community Farm, Little Wings Farm School, Saratoga Springs Public Library, and more.

The first event takes place next Wednesday and will feature a free concert by Jack & Steve Zucchini and free face painting, activities, and food tastings. Nutrition educator Jodie Fitz will have copies of her book Fidget Grows a Pizza Garden. At POP Club, children will have an opportunity to plant a pizza garden to take home.

Look for the POP Club tent at the Wednesday market, across from the market information booth.

 

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 in downtown Saratoga Springs. Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

 

Filed Under: Featured Article, homepage feature, News, Special Events Tagged With: Kid's Activities, POP 2022, Saratoga Farmers' Market

Spring Festival Celebrates Farming In Your Own Backyard

April 15, 2019 By marketeditor

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.

Filed Under: event, Featured Article, homepage feature, News, Special Events, Upcoming Events Tagged With: beekeeping, event, fermentation, Gardening, poultry, Spring Festival, workshops

Market Creates Community at High Rock Park

May 1, 2017 By marketeditor

Opening Day 2016 at High Rock Park by Eric Jenks

 

By Himanee Gupta-Carlson

Shortly before 9 a.m. tomorrow, Saratoga Mayor Joanne Yepsen will cut a ribbon at High Rock Park to officially open the Saratoga Farmers’ Market’s summer season. With her will be farmers and other vendors, volunteers and staff, artists and musicians, community service providers, dignitaries and other guests.

The brief ceremony captures a sense of how the market twice a week from May through October creates a sense of community that is vibrant, festive, and supportive.

“Community is our sustenance,” says market director Julia Howard. “It brings us all together.”

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market started in 1978 with starter plants and produce. Over the years, meats and dairy products, prepared foods, wool and fiber, household cleaners, gift items, and crafts were added the offerings.

For farmers and other vendors, the market is a vital source of income. But the market also is much more.

Running the River by Eric Jenks
Running the River
Photo by Eric Jenks

“Having music at every market helps local performers gain exposure,” Howard says. “Plus, we work with such organizations as Saratoga Bridges to offer employment for some of our janitorial tasks to individuals who need it. And our weekly children’s activities are often the result of our relationships with local businesses, libraries, and youth groups. We couldn’t be who we are without those networks of support.”

Tomorrow’s market will highlight these networks. CAPTAIN Youth & Family Services will offer a free planting of flower seeds to children of all ages. Musician Thomas Brady and the band Running the River will perform. Mamatoga will co-host a meetup from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for mothers and children. And new vendors – among them Zoe Burghard Ceramics, Freddy’s Rockin’ Hummus, The Smoothie Shoppe, Dickinson’s Delights, and Slate Valley and Nettle Meadow farms – will join the market’s regulars.

Setting up market at Rock Park by Eric Jenks
Setting up market at Rock Park
Photo by Eric Jenks

Behind the scenes, the Friends of the Market volunteers will operate its compost collection and recycling programs, assist shoppers with its veggie valet service, gather donations for the Franklin Community Center food pantry, and be on hand to relieve vendors. Also behind the scenes vendors will arrive early and stay late to put out market signs, traffic cones, and help clean up High Rock Park before and after the market.

“That cooperative spirit makes us so much more than a shopping place,” Howard says. “We’re in it together.”

Visit the Saratoga Farmers’ Markets at High Rock Park from 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays.


Chopped Spring Salad

Adapted from recipe by Jenny Rosenstrach and Andy Ward featured in Bon Appetit
4 Servings

Ingredients

*Ingredients currently available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market

• ½ cup plain yogurt*
• 2 tablespoons olive oil*
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated*
• ¼ teaspoon Vital Eats Sriracha Ketchup*
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives, plus more for serving*
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped mint, plus more for serving*
• Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
• ½ Asian cucumber, chopped (about 1 cup)*
• 2 asparagus spears, chopped*
• 2 scallions, chopped*
• 3 radishes, trimmed, chopped*
• 1 cup pea shoots*
• ¾ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered*

Preparation

1. Whisk yogurt, oil, lemon juice, garlic, Sriracha, 2 Tbsp. chives, and 2 Tbsp. mint in a small bowl to combine; season with salt and pepper and let dressing sit at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.

2. Just before serving, toss cucumber, asparagus, scallions, radishes, pea shoots, and tomatoes in a large bowl to combine; season with salt and pepper. Divide evenly among plates and drizzle with dressing. Top with chives and mint.

Do Ahead: Dressing can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.

Filed Under: Featured Article, News, Special Events Tagged With: Composting, Friends of the Market, High Rock Park Saratoga, Special Events, Wednesday Market

Saratoga Farmers’ Market to join artists, musicians, and others at Farm Fest Friday

May 23, 2016 By marketeditor

Farm Fest 2016

By Jeremy Riccardi

Farm Fest FridaySaratoga Arts Fest presents Farm Fest, a one-if-a-kind community event taking place next Friday, June 3, 5-7:30 p.m.

The free, family friendly event will take place at the High Rock Park pavilions where the farmers’ market normally operates on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings. It will feature a variety of arts; music, dancing, children’s activities, and a mini-farmers market. Produced by Arts Fest Fridays, Farm Fest is a collaboration of local arts and business partners coming together to offer the community an artistic experience.

“This event offers members of the Saratoga community an opportunity to experience the vibrant diversity of the Saratoga art scene,” said Saratoga Farmers’ Market administrator Julia Howard. “Part of that scene includes the farmers’ market. Farm fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and jams and jellies will be available for purchase along with a variety of prepared foods and beverages.”

A special FarmFest feature will be sponsored by the Saratoga Arts Council on “Tempered by Memory,” the sculpture that artists Noah Savett and John Van Allstine created at High Rock Park. The artists will discuss the piece.

The Saratoga Farmer’s Market Association plans to introduce a new summer program for children during FarmFest known as the Power of Produce Club. The activity, also known as the POP Club, is a farmers market-based program that seeks to teach children about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities. Children who attend POP Club activities will receive a $2 token to spend on fruits and vegetables.

FarmFest also will include wine and cider tastings provided by Oliva Vineyards and Slyboro Cider.

Other FarmFest activities include:

• Storytelling and children’s activities, hosted by Northshire Bookstore.

• Contra-dancing, led by the Flurry Festival.

• Flower arranging demonstrations, with Native Flower Farms;

• Children’s Museum of Saratoga activities.

• Sidewalk chalk art, with On Deck Saratoga.

• A petting zoo, hosted by the Sweet Chickadee School.

• A talk on the history and qualities of the High Rock Park springs, hosted by Saratoga Springs Mineral Waters Tours.

• Live music by the Gaslight Tinkers, presented by Caffe Lena; and

Music favorites from the Saratoga High School Fiddle Club.

The Gaslight Tinkers
The Gaslight Tinkers

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market welcomes such partnerships as a way to promote farming as a vital aspect of the Saratoga community. The market operates from 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays from May through the end of October.

Filed Under: Featured Article, News, Special Events Tagged With: High Rock Park Saratoga, Saratoga Farmers' Market

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Produce from some of our amazing agriculture vendo Produce from some of our amazing agriculture vendors at today’s market!
Attention granola lovers!! Today is National Grano Attention granola lovers!! Today is National Granola Day. In honor of this, all sales with our friends from @toganola are 10% off this Saturday only! Their granola products are packaged in sustainable packaging and free of gluten, dairy & soy. 

Our winter market runs today from 9:3-1:30 in the Wilton Mall food court. Hope you can make it!

Photo of and provided by @toganola 

#saratogasprings #saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket #granola #toganola #thingstodoinupstateny #organic #shopsmall #shoplocal #nationalgranoladay
Our new 2023 Freshconnect $2 coupons arrived today Our new 2023 Freshconnect $2 coupons arrived today! For every $5 you spend using your SNAP/EBT card at our market, receive $2 in coupons. FreshConnect bucks can be used to buy: vegetables, meat, milk, eggs, honey, baked items, jams, plants that bear food, and prepared foods that are packed to eat at home. Plus, there’s no cap on issuance! Stop by our information stand to learn more. We’ll be open 9:30-1:30 tomorrow. ❄️🌾

#freshconnect #snap #ebt #nutrition #health #agriculture #shoplocal #shopssmall #farmtotable #saratogasprings #saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket #thingstodoinupstateny @wilton_mall_leasing
Interested in growing your business? Farmers’ ma Interested in growing your business? Farmers’ markets are a great way to start networking and finding your customer base. For 45 years, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market has provided a platform for local farmers, artisans, bakers and more build their businesses into what they are today. If you’d like to join our community, please submit your 2023 Summer Vendor application. The link can be found in our bio. Last day to apply is January 31st. DM us here or email me at sfma.manager@gmail.com with any questions!! 

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