The Cornwall Farmers’ Market faces two changes this month. Starting Nov. 15, the market will move within the warmer confines of Munger Cottage. The winter market will be held on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Deputy receiver of taxes Erin O’Dell becomes the market’s new manager as its operation falls under the purview of the Town of Cornwall Recreation Department.
“I’ve been going to the farmers’ market since it opened,” O’Dell said. “I’ve lived in the community all my life. When we found out the [Cornwall Community] Co-op was interested in letting the town take it over I had mentioned I would be interested in helping out to make it grow into more of a community event and try to get more vendors and make it bigger and better.”
O’Dell has already spoken to the summer vendors and has seven confirmed for the winter market, but hopes to reach out to other area markets for interested vendors. Throughout the summer, 10 vendors set up booths on Wednesdays while between 8 and 15 attended the Saturday market. O’Dell said some of the Saturday vendors won’t be participating because they don’t have winter products.
The first market of the new season will kick off with door prizes for visitors, entertainment, and a kids crafts corner. O’Dell said entertainment and the kids corner will be a monthly feature of the market, geared toward the next upcoming holiday. In the summer, O’Dell said she’d like to have local artists display their work at the market.
The goal is to make the market more community oriented, especially for children.
In the past, the market has hosted contests for pies and soups. O’Dell said the market will continue to feature contests. Some vendors have also suggested bringing in a local chef to use their products to show people what can be prepared using local products and fresh produce.
Another suggestion from the vendors, for the summer market, is to extend the Wednesday hours beyond 4 p.m. to attract potential buyers who are commuting from work.
The market will move back to the lawn in front of Town Hall on the first Wednesday in June