Homer Farmers’ Market

“Like to buy locally grown and handmade gifts?”  The Homer Farmers’ Market offers a variety of items from handcrafted woodwork to locally grown vegetables; all hand-made and/or cultivated within 30 miles of the market.   Located in the village of Homer, the market hours aim to suit: open on Wednesdays 4:30-7pm and Saturdays 9-1pm for the summer, May through October.

Taking a stroll through the market feels like a welcome relief from the bustle of big supermarkets and strip malls. An ambience of a live folk band plays on the green, completing the experience of a true country market.   Bob and Nancy Lee, co-owners of “Balsam Rose Soap” says “it’s a unique experience to sell in Homer.  Everyone is friendly and social.” They feel the Homer Farmers’ Market is a great venue for them to sell their products.

A few vendors selling produce this year include: Main Street Farms, Cortland’s first Urban Farm, who sell their organic lettuce, which was grown using a unique process called Aquaponics; Dave’s Veggies sells a variety of herbs, veggies and flowers; Badman’s Bushel Basket provides an assortment of veggies including their most popular, tomatoes and sweet corn.  There are many more vendors providing an assortment of fresh produce to choose from. Also, vendors encourage you to snack on free samples while browsing!  On the other end of the market vendors sell specialty items, such as handcrafted period costumes by “Magpie:” Handcrafted Treasures & Curiosities, Jim Marland, “Carriage House Woodcrafters,” selling handcrafted wooden mortar and pestle sets and rolling pins and fine art photography by “Nature Treasures.”

The Market has grown to include more vendors, like “Standing Stone Honey Products,” selling locally produced honey.  Vendors have expressed their gratitude for the collaboration and networking between vendors at the market. “Whenever a vendor can’t be there at the market, another vendor offers to sell for them,” says, Ronald Woodburn of Standing Stone Honey Products.  This adds a unique sense of community within the market and also encourages vendors to keep coming back.

So, come down to the Homer’s Farmers’ Market to enjoy a fun and relaxing community market experience and support your local farmers and artisans on Wednesdays and Saturdays.  You might just find the special something that you have been looking for.

Homer Farmers’ Market: On the Green. “Where local producers meet local consumers.” They participate in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and accept EBT. Check out their website at HomerFarmersMarket.com, Facebook and Twitter!

By Laura Finkbeiner for the Homer Farmers’ Market