The summer Batavia Farmers Market is set to return for its 32nd year on Saturday.
The market will run from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturdays through Oct. 17 on North River Street between Wilson and Spring streets in downtown Batavia.
Organized again by the Batavia MainStreet group, the market has a pool of 80 vendors that will rotate in and out throughout the season, with a maximum of 60 each week.
Batavia MainStreet Assistant Director Kristen Desler said more than 125 vendors applied to be part of this year’s market.
“It’s a really fun mix,” Desler said of the vendors chosen for the weekly market. “We still have what people have come to expect from our market in terms of lots of locally-grown produce, farm-raised meat and eggs. We have some new baked items this year and vendors are still required to grow or harvest at least 75% of the products that they sell.”
According to a press release from Batavia MainStreet, “returning favorites this season include Flat Tire Farm, Fox Flower Farm, Stamper Cheese, Mighty Greens Farm, Sol Gardens, Crumble, Hufendick Farms, Stojan’s Family Farm and Van Laar’s Fruit Farm.”
Desler highlighted a number of new offerings including “something we get a lot requests for which is dog treats.”
“We have a new vendor named Connor’s Cookies from Plainfield featuring all-natural, handmade, wheat-free dog treats,” she said. “We also have Lil C’s out of Sycamore with their made from scratch mini-cheesecakes, using no dyes or seed oils. We also have North Sky Farm from Harvard who were with us in the indoor market this season. They make certified, organic cow’s milk cheeses. They were a big hit and we’re excited for them to join us for their first outdoor season.”
Officials said the market generally draws about 3,000 people a week during its run.
The market will also be offering a Kids Tent with free weekly educational and fun activities, organizers said, as well as live music every week.
The market will also include the Artisan Collective every third Saturday of the month, which will feature local artisans showcasing handmade goods including original art, woodwork, jewelry, stained glass, crochet items and more, according to organizers.
More information about the farmers market can be found on Facebook and Instagram @bataviafarmersmarket and @downtownbatavia.
David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
