The summer season has officially arrived, and local farmers markets are in full swing.
Throughout the county, growers are offering their fruits, vegetables and other goods to local buyers on community streets each week. Customers looking for the freshest foods to bring to their kitchen table each week need to look no further than these vendors' stands, which conveniently come together at farmers markets throughout the season.
DOWNTOWN JAMESTOWN
Article Photos
Fresh strawberries are just one of many dozens of items that can be found at farmers markets throughout the area.
P-J file photo by Dave Emke
The city of Jamestown's farmers market has moved this year, and it is now located in front of the Lillian Vitanza Ney Renaissance Center on the corner of West Third and Washington streets. It can be found there each Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., through the end of October.
While the location has moved - the market in past years was located on West Third between North Main and Cherry streets - many of the same farms that have participated in the market in the past have returned in 2011, reports Tiffani Conti, special projects manager for the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation.
''Our farmers market is a staple for Jamestown, as it attracts many loyal customers each year, including our downtown restaurants, business professionals and employees,'' Mrs. Conti said.
Among the farms that participate in the Downtown Jamestown Farmers Market are Abers Acres from Kennedy, the Busti Cider Mill and Farm Market, Small Meadows Farm from Ashville, and Scott's Farm and Greenhouse from Sinclairville. In addition, the market has also invited area wineries to participate by sharing the vendor space each week.
Registered with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, farmers participating in the market are certified to accepted WIC farmers market coupons and senior citizen farmers market coupons, and participating farmers will accept food stamp benefits.
For more information about the Downtown Jamestown Farmers Market, visit www.discoverjamestown.com or call 664-2477.
VILLAGE OF LAKEWOOD
Tuesday afternoons from 2 to 6 p.m., the village of Lakewood hosts its farmers market on the corner of Chautauqua Avenue and Second Street.
With the plan of including as many farms using organic practices as possible, the Lakewood Farmers Market hosts Abers Acres, the Busti Cider Mill and Farm, and Small Meadows Farm. Country Kettle Corn is also there providing fresh-popped kettle corn, and market manager Judy Schultz said that more farms plan to join the market as the season carries on.
Among products available at the farmers market are organically grown fruits and vegetables, meat, cheese, eggs, maple products, goat-milk fudge, bakery items, jams, jellies, apple butter, honey and fresh-cut flower bouquets. New items this season include fresh-ground organic flour and corn meal, Mrs. Schultz said.
Registered with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, farmers participating in the market are certified to accepted WIC farmers market coupons and senior citizen farmers market coupons, and participating farmers will accept food stamp benefits.
The Lakewood Farmers Market will be open through the end of August. For more information, contact Mrs. Schultz at 484-7300.
VILLAGE OF WESTFIELD
Growing in scope and popularity each year, the Westfield Farmers Market takes over Moore Park at the corner of Route 20 and Route 394 each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Established in 2007, the Westfield Farmers Market was named one of the Top 10 of 2009 by American Farmland Trust. All produce and goods available at the market are regionally grown or made and are fresh from the farm. In addition to the produce, numerous Amish vendors at the market offer their homemade wares including baskets, woodcraft, soaps, jams and jellies, and canned items.
Local wineries are also showcased each week at the Westfield Farmers Market, offering samples and many varieties for purchase. Live music is also often featured during the market, as are events and demonstrations including chicken barbecues, cruise-ins, antique farm equipment shows and a fall festival.
Farmers participating in the market are certified to accepted WIC farmers market coupons and senior citizen farmers market coupons, and participating farmers will accept food stamp benefits.
The Westfield Farmers Market will be open through Sept. 24. For more information, visit www.westfieldny.com/farmers-market, call 326-4000 or email farmersmarket@westfieldny.com.
Other area happenings:
What: Fishing Seminar: "Muskies Chautauqua" presented by Mike Sperry, Chautauqua Reel Outdoors Guide and Tackle
When: Wednesday
Where: Chautauqua Marina, 104 W. Lake Road, Mayville
Cost: free
The seminar is open to adults and children; children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is limited to 50 people.
For more information, call 753-3913 or email Boatsafety@aol.com.
* 19.5 miles from downtown Jamestown.
What: Chautauqua Lake Outlet Paddle
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: Outlet, McCrea Point
Cost: $25, with kayak or canoe rental
All paddler with their own boats and equipment are welcome to join for no fee.
For more information or to make a reservation, call 763-2266 or visit www.evergreen-outfitters.com.
* .9 miles from downtown Jamestown.
What: Mormon Tabernacle Choir
When: 3:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Chautauqua Institution, 1 Ames Ave.
Cost: $40
For more information, call 357-6200.
* 17.1 miles from downtown Jamestown.