Farmers market opens for the season

By Jason Gabak

Editor

One of the most highly anticipated seasonal turning points in Skaneateles is the opening of the farmers market.

Thursday afternoon the ceremonial cowbell was wrung right at 3:30 marking the opening of the latest iteration of the popular market.

Sue Murphy, the town’s parks manager said already this year things are off to strong start.

“Things are looking great,” Murphy said. “We have three new vendors and we have 12 returning. I think we are off to a really good start.”

This past year the market was extended into the winter months with a winter market inside Austin Pavilion, but with the down time between the end of the winter market and the start of this year’s summer market, Murphy has been busy preparing for the new year.

Murphy said she takes the opportunity to not only start planning, but to also attend conferences on farmers markets and learn from other markets about what works and what is not working, sharing information to continually improve the market.

“It is a good practice,” Murphy said. “We learn about what others did and share what we did. There is a lot of work and organization that goes into this each year and we are always learning about what we can do.”

This year along with a variety of vendors and a Saturday market, Murphy said there will be more special attractions at the market.

She said this will include cooking demonstrations and information sessions on plants and potting.

“We try to do different things,” Murphy said. “We try to have something different that will be interesting to a lot of people.”

Tammy Frajda is among the vendors taking part in the market.

A Marcellus based entrepreneur, Frajda said she is a start up business with a focus on plants, vegetables and vintage pottery.

She said she had heard great things about the Skaneateles market and was eager to be a part of it.

“I wanted to get the word out and get some more exposure,” Frajda said. “I’m a start up so this is a great location and a great way to help get the word out.”

Phil Bishop of Bishop Farm in Fulton was making a return to the market this year.

From his farm he provides a variety of meats as well as sauces and rubs for cooking.

“I was here last year and I did the winter market too,” Bishop said. “It went well and we are happy to be back again this year.”

For Amy Laxton of Laxton’s Florists, the market and the flower business I something of a family tradition.

Laxton said her grandfather, Dave was integral in getting the market started during his time serving the town.

Laxton said her grandfather was preparing to retire from the business and after serving in the Army and pursuing a career in the business world, working in an office, Laxton saw an opportunity to carry on the family business.

“I’m the fourth generation.” Laxton said. “It has been fantastic. It is so peaceful being able to do this. We have always been a part of the market with flowers and vegetables. Everyone here is so welcoming and friendly. I love being here and being a part of this.”