Central New Yorkers took advantage of a picture perfect day to see what they might buy at Clinton Square Tuesday from fresh fruits and vegetables to flowers and an assortment of food vendors. The 48th annual Downtown Syracuse Farmer's Market is designed to connect farmers and vendors with shoppers. Downtown Committee Executive Director Merike Treier says people are ready to get out and the market layout has been designed to allow for the times.
“So, we’re definitely in a new normal now with wearing the masks and social distancing… but, coming to the Farmer’s Market offers that type of opportunity. We’re here in an open-air market in Clinton Square. Plenty of space for farmers to spread out. And coming to the market you learn more about where your food comes from.”
She estimates about a couple dozen stands were set-up... but, there’s more on the way.
“As the season progresses, we’ll start to see more farmers as more product comes in for them to be able to sell. At peak we have about 50 farmers and vendors that participate and when the market starts to grow as far as participants, we’ll start to spread out around Clinton Square to allow us the space to do that.”
Treier says the interaction between growers and vendors can also be a learning experience. Sidney Paine of Oliver Paine Greenhouses loves to talk about her plants.
“We’ve got probably got the nicest crop of baskets that we have ever raised. The flowers are bigger, brighter, and the shape of the baskets is perfect. We’re happy!”
If anyone forgets to bring a mask, they can go to the Onondaga County Health Department booth and also pick-up free hand sanitizer. The Farmer’s Market is open every Tuesday from 9 AM to 3 PM through the second Tuesday in October. More information on weekly offerings is listed on their website.
