The Kingston Farmers’ Market was started 11 years ago as a way to bring people to Uptown on a day when not much was happening, and it has been a resounding success. As many as 2,000 people attend on a hot summer’s day. “It gives people a chance to discover Uptown, and retailers have an opportunity to tap into the market” by putting up a sign on the premises, said Joe Fitzgerald, a caterer and realtor who serves as the market’s president of the board of directors.
It’s the biggest farm market in the region. This year there will be 32 vendors, including several newcomers: Gadaleto’s Seafood Market, a wholesaler from New Paltz; Chef Ef, who will be serving paella; Keegan Ales; Julia and Isabella, serving prepared foods; Acorn Hill Farm, which sells goat cheese; and Chocolate Revolution, which makes sugar-less chocolate creations. (For traditional artisan chocolates, shoppers can go across the street to Neko’s.)
A booth costs $400 ($300 if the vendor prepays). The proceeds help pay for a publicist and advertisements in the local press. Chronogram is a partial sponsor, and this year, by taking advantage of funds from Pride of New York, a state program that matches funds from the federal government to promote local produce, the market will also be advertised on radio stations WKNY and WKZE.
An adjoining crafts market on John Street will also open on May 29 and be held every first and third Saturdays, strengthening the Farmers Market’s appeal as a destination. Ad hoc musicians liven up the street, and this year, through a program organized by Karen Pillsworth, eight story tellers will be featured. Operation Front Line, sponsored by the Queens Galley, is a six-week program in which small groups of middle school children come to the market to learn culinary skills and nutritional tips from participating farmers. And this season certified nutritionist Holly Anne Shelowitz and Jennifer McKinley, owner of Kingston Natural Foods, will do healthy food demos, alternating each Saturday.
