Shake off the last of the long, cold winter with fresh and local food, spring weather and great local talent at opening day for the 13th summer season of the Saugerties Farmers Market, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Saturday, May 24.
“I am one among many who are excited for the return of the wonderful Saugerties Farmers Market this season!” said market co-manager Ayla Rector. “Our opening day is a full representation of our sweet Hudson Valley community. We are so lucky to have such dedicated individuals working to make this market a possibility. We look forward to all of our customers’ loyal support throughout this season.”
Stop by and enjoy the local produce, prepared lunches, baked goods, coffee and jewelry, as well as this year’s opening day entertainment: an ensemble of talented youth from the Paul Green Rock Academy.
The young rockers will play sets intermittently until 1 p.m. “As a Saugerties business, and with many ties throughout the community from families to the farmers market, we are thrilled and honored to have been asked to play opening day,” said Green, the academy’s namesake.
While you rock out, enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the array of market products.
Farmers will bring asparagus, lettuces, honey, onions, eggs, maple syrup, apples, decorative plants, and a variety of meats including poultry, pork, lamb, and certified organic beef from Grimaldi Farm. In addition, check out award-winning cheeses and baked goods.
New vendors this year will sell an array of specialty items, including a selection of flavorful sweet-and-savory nut brittles from Copper Lake Brittles. Also look for Immune Schein ginger elixir and 34 varieties of Rishi Organic Loose Leaf Teas. Two new vegetable farmers — Paisley Farm and Clove Valley — will arrive for the new season as well.
Twisted Jeanne’s, who started in last winter’s market, will debut at the summer market with pretzels and a variety of pretzel rolls.
Me-Oh-My Foods — a market staple these past few years — plans to offer several new items to complement its regular baked goods. This year it is introducing filled cupcakes, gluten-free cookies and quick breads, toffee popcorn and uncooked chicken pot pies that you can bring home and cook for a quick dinner.
“Not only are we excited about the return of our most treasured farmers, fishermen, bakers and food producers, but we’re also welcoming new farmers and vendors with an interesting range of locally grown and raised meat, poultry, eggs, fish, seasonal vegetables, fruits and prepared foods,” said market co-founder Judith Spektor.
She added, “We are looking forward to seeing everyone in the community join us to find fresh nutritious food to bolster their health and satisfy their hunger straight from the fields, the boat, and the bakery.”
In addition to the tantalizing food and music, a variety of artists will also herald in SFM’s summer season. Local artist Z. Willy Neumann will be creating his “Floor to Ceiling” piece. Art Lab will be there until 1 p.m. to help children find their inner artist while parents shop, eat, and chat with friends.
For the animal lovers and knitting enthusiasts, Mariepaule Rossier will bring along her angora rabbit to demonstrate yarn spinning.
For fun, education, and a taste sensation, watch and learn during a chef demo at 11 a.m. by James Tamayo, owner of B&B Tamayo. Be sure to grab a sample of his pasta dish — created with Davenport Farms’ asparagus — and take home the recipe, too.
Gardening enthusiasts can stop and chat with Master Gardeners from Cornell Cooperative Extension. Ask for help with your new purchases: Market vendors will sell a variety of seedlings for your home gardens.
A number of local elected officials will be there to celebrate at the 10 a.m. ribbon cutting, including Village Mayor William Murphy, Town Board members Leeanne Thornton, William Schirmer, and Bruno and State Assemblyman Pete Lopez. Opening day is sponsored by Town & Country Liquors.
The summer market runs 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Saturdays, until October 25, at 115 Main St., in the parking lot across from Cahill Elementary School.
Join the family! 
