Beginning May 4, the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market will open an hour earlier, at 9 a.m. on Saturdays. It will be open until 2 p.m. The expanded hours will continue through December, according to a news release from Otsego 2000, which operates the market.
The market’s 40 farmers, food producers, craft makers and artisans are from an area within 50 miles of Cooperstown, the release said. A core group of 25 vendors is at the market every week, others come every other week or once a month.
“May is the traditional start to the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market’s new season, when we welcome new and returning vendors as well as beloved spring favorites like asparagus, wild leeks, spring onions, radishes, fresh flowers, and more. There’s no better place to be on a Saturday in Cooperstown than the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, especially with the promise of springtime in the air,” said Ellen Pope, executive director of Otsego 2000, which started the farmers’ market in 1991. Pope said the market offers fresh local produce, meat, poultry, cheese, spirits, home goods, eggs, maple syrup, honey, baked goods, made-to-order paninis, prepared foods, gifts, native plants, art, skincare, candles, toys, décor, baskets and more.
Live music will be featured at the market every Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon. Free kids’ crafts will be offered on the first Saturday of the month. The May 4 activity is seed planting.
SNAP is welcomed and matched up to $20 at every market through the Cooperstown Lions Club SNAP Match Program, the release said. Customers using SNAP should ask for Market Manager Alex Webster. For more information, go to www.cooperstownfarmersmarket.org.
The market is at 101 Main St. in Pioneer Alley in Cooperstown, near Doubleday Field.