Oswego Farmers’ Market Kicks Off New Year

May 26, 2011 Contributor

By Nicholas Cafalone, Contributing Writer
OSWEGO, NY – It would have been hard to ask for better weather on the opening day of the Oswego Farmers’ Market.

A woman purchases baked good from a vendor that traveled from Fulton to join the market. Fulton’s market is held on Saturdays.
A woman purchases baked good from a vendor that traveled from Fulton to join the market. Fulton’s market is held on Saturdays.

An hour before the event started, West First Street was much quieter than a regular day; but by the new 4:30 p.m. starting time it was clear that people were excited to see what vendors were offering.

Evan Atkinson and a group of friends decided to visit the farmers’ market, despite predictions of poor weather for later in the evening.

“I was a little worried at first because of some dark clouds, but it was terrific” said Atkinson.  “It was nice and warm with good energy and atmosphere.”

A vendor tops off a Sno-Cone for a young girl who is waiting patiently.
A vendor tops off a Sno-Cone for a young girl who is waiting patiently.

The market is more than a place for friends and family to come and enjoy the beautiful Port City weather.

In one person’s mind there was only one thing she could think about. “I came for all the awesome produce,” said Lidia Alechina. “I feel like it is fresher here and that it is important to buy locally.”

Each Thursday through the summer, the market hosts a different band at 6 p.m. and throughout the season has a variety of different theme nights.

A woman selects fresh spinach from a vendor. The table had an assortment of different fresh produce.
A woman selects fresh spinach from a vendor. The table had an assortment of different fresh produce.

Beth Hilton, executive director of the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, was especially excited for the Strawberry Shortcake Night on June 16. Unlike previous years they held back the date to allow for only local strawberries to be featured.

At the request of vendors, the market is going to last until at least Oct. 13.

Hilton said the market could last longer as long as the weather was permitting.

The market is every Thursday from 4:30-8:30 p.m. and is located on West First Street between Bridge and Oneida streets.

The Balloon Lady twists balloons for a mother and her daughters.
The Balloon Lady twists balloons for a mother and her daughters.

Although every vendor did not participate in the first week, opening night at the market still had a lot to offer.

There were vendors selling fresh produce, bread, flowers, jewelry, bottles of wine, hot food and an assortment of other things.

At least 50 different vendors have signed up to participate this year.

To protect visitors, the use of bicycles and skateboards are prohibited on West First Street during market hours.

Animals are also not allowed inside the market area. missing or outdated ad config

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