Lots has been happening over the past couple of years for the Beacon Farmers Market. Last year, it was turned over to new management under the auspices of Common Ground Farm. Then it expanded its open season to include winter, by relocating to the inside of the VFW/Bingo Hall, also known as the Memorial Building. Last summer, they introduced food accessibility programs by tapping into New York State's Fresh Direct program by accepting SNAP benefits. This summer, the Farmers Market will stay close to Main Street, and move outside to take over Veterans Place, the side street between the Towne Crier and the post office. Opening day is this Sunday, April 23, 2017, from 10 am to 3 pm, rain or shine.

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

The Beacon Farmers Market will be in good company, surrounded by new neighbors who welcome the change. Emma Dewing, owner of the Beacon Flea Market, which sets up every fair-weather Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm in the neighboring municipal parking lot on Henry Street, is "pleased to have the farmers market up on Main Street. I think that Beacon can only benefit from having both markets and all that Main Street has to offer within a walkable distance."

Beacon Natural Market is located just across the street from Veterans Place, and is also looking forward to the market's new location. Says co-owner Kitty Sherpa: "We welcome the farmers market. We think it's good for our customers and the residents of Beacon. If having the market here makes life easier for our customers, that is something we care about. Going down to the water and then coming back up here doesn't work out as well sometimes for people."

Kitty remembers when the the farmers market was open at that same location off Main Street almost twelve years ago. Beacon Natural Market had just opened, and the farmers market was much smaller, with a handful of vendors. Now it has 15 or so vendors on any given week, with 27 vendors total - there are rotating spots for other pre-approved vendors (full list is here) to pop in during the schedule.

Who Will Be At the Market?

A few marketgoer's favorites will be at the new location, like PickleLicious, Hudson Valley Seafood for oysters, shrimp and other fish, and Nana's Home Kitchen, makers of Mediterranean dips and pestos, spinach pies, their famous falafel, and brownies. Local favorite Bank Square, from the West End of town, will be roasting coffee beans in a machine that uses solar power and serving iced coffee. Despite two coffee-serving locations in that area already (Ella's Bellas gluten-free bakery, and Beacon Pantry), lines are still healthy at each Main Street storefront, so there will be enough coffee to go around, as well as opportunities to grab-n-go for people hopping between outdoor markets.

Speaking of specialty food options, look for The New Confectioner, who is bringing to the farmers market small-batch, hand-packed, dairy-free frozen desserts, sorbets, vegan ice cream and frozen fruit pops. And look forward to bringing home honey from Steed's Bees, buzzing in from Montgomery, NY, in Orange County.

Enjoy your Sundays!