PLATTSBURGH — The Plattsburgh Farmers and Crafters Market will return to Green Street Saturday, May 10 to kick off the season with live music, food trucks and a myriad of new and returning local vendors.
“I am looking forward to starting the new season. We have some special events planned this year,” Sue Carusone, market manager, said.
Day one will feature music by Cliff Reynolds and 101.3 The Wolf and the food truck will be Adirondack Food Therapy and The Dogfather Mr.-Ding-A-Ling truck.
PFCM and vendors will hold a market clean-up to prepare for the season Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to noon.
“It is mostly vendors that do the clean up. Volunteers are always welcome,” Carusone said.
“People can also drop off books for the library and/or non-perishable, non-expired items for the Little Free Pantry on this day. Thank you in advance for your donations and support. I would like to thank the public for supporting the farmers market. We can’t do it without you.”
Cathy Labare, secretary for the market, said the library is a great draw for families.
“I look forward to visiting returning customers and watching the community using the little free library,” she said.
Leon Sollenberge, vice president of the market, said farmers markets take time to become established as a part of the community, but are well worth it in the long run.
“Moving to Green Street meant that we essentially had to start over,” Sollenberge said.
“A lot of what we have done the last few years was an attempt to put in place something that could be here for years to come. We want the market to become a part of family traditions, and we have added some features to make it a friendly place for youngsters in the hope that sometime in the future they will bring their grandchildren to the market.”
There will be around 25 to 35 vendors at the market this year including local producers, artisans, crafters, bakers, community or non-profit members and more.
Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Oct. 11, the market will feature different local musicians and food trucks.
Planned musicians include Funkyfreddy, Cliff Reynolds, Swan Song, Towne Meeting and Kiel Love.
Food trucks include Adirondack Food Therapy, Lomeli’s Mexican, Caracciola’s Authentic Italian, Bunz on the Run, Lighting Lardy’s BBQ, The Dogfather and the Dogfather Mr. Ding-A-Ling ice cream truck.
For a schedule visit https://www.plattsburghfarmerscraftersmarket.com/.
“We also have a snack shack, inside the building, which has water, soda, coffee and snacks. We will also be selling market T-shirts for $10 each and market bags for $3 each,” Carusone said.
The PFCM also accepts Farmers Market Nutritional Program and Fresh Connect coupons.
“The changes this year will be the events we are planning,” Carusone said.
The PFCM is seeking vendors for a craft fair planned for May 31 during market hours and also has a Renaissance/Medieval Fair planned for June 7, information to come.
Returning to the market are the Little Free Library, the Little Free Pantry and the Power of Produce.
The Power of Produce is a farmers market-based children’s program to teach children about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation.
Participants engage in the full farmers market experience, trying new foods, having conversations with farmers and buying local produce.
“POP kids are encouraged to try new foods and overcome picky eating to choose healthy food options. We also hand out $2 coupons and POP backpacks to the children,” Carusone said.