The Pawling Farmer’s Market is open!
The atmosphere is upbeat. A neat row of tents lines Charles Coleman Boulevard as local vendors sold everything from produce to postcards for the sixth time since the Market’s inception in 2008.
One such vendor is Greg Camillone, who sells all-natural, preservative-free granola for his mother’s company, Wholey Oates. All of the granola is hand-baked and deliciously healthful. Camillone appreciates the Farmer’s Market for its “awesome vendors” and “nice environment.”
A few tents down from Wholey Oates is Garden Greetings, where artist Amy R. Farrell sells cards with her own plant-themed art. Every card is printed by hand, using individual blocks for each color in the image. “I developed this line of cards because I love being at the Farmer’s Market,” she says. Farrell, who has proudly been a part of the Market since its first year, implores locals to support the farmers.
At the end of the row of tents, Two by Two Petting Zoo had set up a small area with furry (and scaly!) friends for children and adults alike. Children thronged the pens of a tortoise, a snake, a baby alligator, and a couple of rabbits. A mama goat basked in the sun as her two-month-old twin offspring snuggled next to her. The most unexpected critter was Macaroni, a precious joey who had been rescued by the organization a little while ago. The petting zoo was a big hit. Next week’s feature will be a trough-making demonstration by Stonecrop Gardens of Cold Spring, NY.
Terry Deegan is the mastermind behind the Market, but her hard work could not be possible without the help of a dedicated Board. Katie Rose Hillegass is one such helper. During the school year she teaches French, but when summer rolls around, her mind turns to vendor recruitment for the Market. Having lived in Pawling for five years with her fiancé, she felt driven “to get more involved in supporting local agriculture.” This is something that everyone can relate to. For Hillegass, it’s all about “being more connected to the food we eat; being part of that process.”
There is something for everyone at this open-air market: Coast to Coast Dog Treats for your canines, Bee Archetype for the sweet-tooths, or Cascade Mountain Winery for anyone heading out to a Saturday evening soiree. The Pawling Farmer’s Market will be running every Saturday morning from 9am – 12pm until September 21st, so be sure to stop by to experience Pawling’s best!
To learn more about what the Market has to offer, visit
www.pawlingfarmersmarket.org or look them up on Facebook.