One of the advantages of shopping at farmers markets is chatting with growers and local food producers and getting to know more about them, what they do and and what they have to offer. "Know farms, know food.''
Things are a little different now. Farmers markets in New York State have been deemed "essential'' during the coronavirus pandemic, but markets are also following stricter guidelines. If you haven't been to a market lately, you will notice there's more room between vendors. Some markets have arrows marking one-way traffic flow. Hand wash and/or hand sanitizer stations have been added. Customers are asked to practice social distancing, wear masks and not touch the produce and other merchandise -- allow vendors to serve you. Shop quickly if you can to limit congestion and help keep traffic moving along.
The variety of local farmers markets is one of the best things about living in Central New York. Markets are one-stop shopping for produce, locally raised meats and dairy products, maple syrup, honey, baked goods, prepared meals and more. In the market for annuals and perennial plants? Markets are a great place to find them, at very reasonable prices.
There's a market almost every day of the week -- break your routine and visit some new-to-you markets this summer.
SYRACUSE-AREA FARMERS MARKETS
Bayberry Plaza Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday (through Oct. 30) at the shopping plaza on Route 57, Liverpool.
Camillus Farmers Market: This market, formerly held on Tuesday, will be held 3 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Town of Camillus Green, 4600 W. Genesee St.
Cazenovia Farmers Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays at the Village Green across from the high school. This is a new location to allow more space for vendors and shoppers.
Central New York Regional Market: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, year-round; 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday (through mid-November), 2100 Park St., Syracuse.
Downtown Syracuse Farmers Market: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday (June 9-October 13) at Clinton Square. New this year: Foot traffic will be one-way to encourage social distancing. There will not be any food trucks. Look for a tent featuring food from downtown restaurants.
Greater Baldwinsville Community Farmers Market: Organizers have decided not to hold a weekly market this season. Check the website for information on the Fall Market Festravaganza, a market-style event with produce vendors, food trucks and local artisans and crafters. The event is scheduled for Sept. 15.
Syracuse Eastside Neighborhood Farmers Market: This small market, with just three or four vendors, opens for the season July 8. It's held Wednesday afternoons in the parking lot at Westcott Community Center, 826 Euclid Ave., Syracuse.
Kings Corner Market: 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in August, at the intersection of Clinton and State streets in Tully.
Pop-up market with Freedom Rains Farm: 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, throughout June (and perhaps beyond) at Middle Ages Brewing Company, 120 Wilkinson St., Syracuse. Freedom Rains Farm is a small, family-owned organic farm near Pulaski. Produce from the farm, as well as market essentials like meat and eggs, will be available. While you're there, pick up a six-pack, get your growler filled or enjoy a Middle Ages beer outside. Several customers at a time are allowed inside to make purchases.
Skaneateles Farmers Market: 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in the Austin Park Pavilion parking lot on Jordan Street. The market is set up with an entrance and exit for one-way customer flow.
FURTHER AFIELD:
Auburn Farmers Co-Op Market: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 96 State St. (in the parking lot across from Curley's Restaurant).
Clinton Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday on the village green. Note: The first hour of the market is reserved for senior citizens and the vulnerable.
Cottage Lawn Farmers Market: 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Madison County Historical Society, 435 Main St., Oneida.
Cortland City Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Saturday along Main Street, in downtown Cortland.
Greater Oswego-Fulton Farmers Markets: 4:15 to 7:45 p.m. Thursday, starting July 12, on West First Street in Oswego and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, starting July 14, at the Canal Landing parking lot in Fulton.
Hamilton Farmers Market: Friends say this market (above; photo via Facebook) is one of the best things about living in/near Hamilton. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday on the village green.
Homer Farmers Market: Canceled for the 2020 season.
Oneida County Public Market: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Utica's Historic Union Station, 321 Main St., Utica. Take some time to explore the inside of this magnificent transportation hub.
Owasco Farmers Market: Canceled for the 2020 season.
Pulaski Farmers Market and Music in the Park: 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, starting June 19, at Historic South Park in the village.
Photos by Margaret McCormick unless otherwise indicated.
