The Albany Farmers’ Market last Saturday.
Give the vendors at the Albany Farmers’ Market credit for hanging in there, especially in the fall when the number of customers shrinks and the weather gets worse.
Last Saturday the weather was sunny and dry. But tomorrow (Nov. 7) it looks to be cool with a chance of showers. November weather can be nasty, and the regular weekly market on Fourth Avenue and the City Hall parking lot is scheduled to be open two more Saturdays, Nov. 14 and 21, before calling it quits for the year. (There’s also a pre-Christmas market set for Dec. 12.)
The Covid pandemic has hampered the Saturday market the way it has ruined everything else. People used to like to go there as a family and visit with people they met. This year the advice was to come alone, make your purchases, and leave, all while wearing a mask and keeping your distance from everyone else.
For various reasons, some of them involving cake, I try to go there as many Saturday mornings as I can. Every time I do, I think of how much work this is for the vendors. I imagine they get up at the crack of dawn to get their merchandise together. Then they drive into town, some from a good distance away, and set up their stalls.
Then they sit there — maybe, in November, trying to keep from freezing — hoping they don’t have to cart most of their goods home again.
It’s no wonder that the stalls get fewer as the season progresses and the crowds get thin.
So, while nobody asked for it, here’s my advice: If you like the farmers’ market and want the vendors to come back next year and the years after that, make sure you make an effort, get there, and buy a few things. (hh)
Another view last week. The Albany Farmers’ Market is open again from 9 to 1 today, Nov. 7, and the next two Saturdays.
While farming relates to growing, maybe the Farmers’ in the market should be presented in quotes.
Rick: What basis do you have for your statement? If you have some factual basis, you should contact me.
We have a couple of bakers and occasionally a restaurant. The other vendors are growers within a six-county area. Many other farmers’ markets have looser rules.
Hasso: THANK you for noticing and caring about these vendors. In addition to pandemic, they’ve lost a market day or two of income and in many cases significant crops to smoke from the wildfires.
We love to attend the market and support the farmers. It’s always nice to obtain fresher produce for our meals. Many of the vendors have become friends! They are a wonderful group to buy from and support. We need them to keep coming back!!!
Thanks for highlighting the Farmer’s market Hasso. I always enjoy going and have made it a point to buy something everytime I visit.
I support the Market every Saturday regardless of weather. The changing produce is a chance to try new foods and recipes. Also I have to have my weekly Cheese and Homemade Tamales . YUM!!! I look forward to seeing and visiting with my vendors. YES!! support the Market. Thanks to the Farmers who gave away healthy Fruits and Veggies to the kids in past weeks. The Market is good for Everyone!