Photos: Farmers Market photos from last year provided by, and with thanks to, Erin Smith.
CENTRAL BRIDGE — Last year was the first time The Central Bridge Farmer’s Market set up shop! Behind the event is a strong base of experience from the 30-year-running Festival Farmers Market at The Gathering Place by vendors including Erin Smith of Will-A-Way Farm, Earl Van Wormer III of Van-Dale Farms, and Barbara Sharpe of Sharpe’s Sweets.
Smith shared her hopes that establishing this Farmers Market will contribute to the area by not only sharing local agriculture and supporting small businesses, but by helping strengthen connections, “Central Bridge is where I grew up. When I lived there, there was a real sense of community which I think it’s lacking now, and I'd like to see the community spirit come back.”
Van Wormer revealed that Smith has been hard at work trying to obtain a grant that would help them make changes to The Ball Park Market location. Those changes would be permanent community improvements that last beyond their Market season and would allow for the addition of lighting, a pavilion, snack bar, and better bathroom accessibility.
“The Central Bridge Civic Association is a not for profit organization that meets once a month and look forward to new members and new ideas,” and they approached Van Wormer to ask if he was interested in starting this Farmers Market.
Van Wormer prides the Central Bridge Farmer’s Market on offering a unique variety of products with careful attention to detail for making sure nothing is a saturated item for sale. Smith explained they are looking to expand from five to six vendors per week to more, including wanting to bring in crafters.
Those interested in being a Central Bridge Farmer’s Market vendor can reach out to Van Wormer at 518-852-0270.
You can follow updates on the Central Bridge Farmer’s Market Facebook page, and make sure to share the page and their posts with others! Get excited, because summer is right around the corner and it’s a great time to mark your calendars; their season will be every Wednesday from July - October, 4 - 7 PM, at The Ball Park (649 NYS Route 30A).
