By Julia Howard
Of all the reasons to love Saratoga Springs, its various locally-owned businesses
undoubtedly contribute, providing excellent shopping and dining and making it a fun and unique
city. Interestingly, one of the most positive effects of a thriving area supported by local
businesses is that it inspires more people to become business owners, continuing a positive cycle
that supports the local economy.
Since its opening in 1978, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market has rallied support for local
producers of all kinds, offering new and established businesses an opportunity to connect with
the community, brand their business, and grow. As the farmers’ market prepares to move to its
winter location at the Wilton Mall this November, they invite local producers to consider
opportunities to become a vendor.
“As the longest-running farmers’ market in Saratoga, we encourage local farms and
producers to apply to sell at our markets. We have a dedicated customer base excited to support
new vendors,” says Mark Bascom, president of the Saratoga Farmers’ Market Association.
While pursuing selling opportunities at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is a simple process,
there are rules. All businesses must be within a 50-mile radius of Saratoga Springs, a standard
that keeps “local” authentic to the farmers’ market and its customers. The Saratoga Farmers’
Market also requires that products sold on-site must be grown or produced by the business
selling them, not manufactured elsewhere, and brought to the market.
The online application for the Saratoga Farmers’ Market’s Winter Market is currently
open and will close on September 15. Interested individuals can access the application at the
farmers’ market’s website, www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, and refer to “Vendors” at the top
menu. The farmers’ market offers affordable seasonal rates for November through April and also
an opportunity to sell products exclusively during the holiday season.
“Supporting and promoting local farmers is a priority,” explains SFMA vice-president
Beth Trattel. “The Saratoga Farmers’ Market provides an affordable opportunity for farms and
small businesses to showcase their products to a local audience.”
If you have any questions before applying, please contact the farmers’ market at
sfma.manager@gmail.com Farmers’ market staff will happily answer questions and assist
with the application process.
Link to application: https://managemymarket.com/landing.aspx?orgID=88
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open on Wednesdays from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. and
Saturdays from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at High Rock Park in Downtown Saratoga. Find us online at
www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow
us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.