The Chappaqua Farmers Market: Fresher Than Ever
Greeley students like to spend a great deal of after-school time at Bobo’s Cafe by the train station. They should, however, consider stopping by the station on a Saturday morning to discover the Chappaqua Farmers Market. Now in its twelfth season, the market has become not only an ideal place to buy groceries and grab breakfast or lunch, but also a beloved social hub for our community. The market’s vendors sell fruits and vegetables, baked goods, meats, cheeses, prepared foods, and artisanal specialty items ranging from local honey to fresh-cut flowers.
The atmosphere at the Chappaqua Farmers Market is truly unique: “It’s very lively, relaxed, and friendly,” says Michael Delman (HGHS Class of 2018) whose band, Reefs, played at the market this summer and last. Reefs is just one of many musical acts that add to the energy of the market each week, providing the perfect soundtrack for shoppers. As he sits behind his drum kit, Delman enjoys seeing “lots of people dancing to music, trying new foods, and enjoying the good vibes.” It is almost impossible to not run into a familiar face, and all around are spirited conversations between neighbors catching up over coffee or pizza from the Dough Nation truck.
The friendly spirit extends to those working the stalls as well. Perry Bindelglass of PB Hot Sauce emphasizes that “the community of other vendors is really nice.” He equally enjoys his interactions with the many locals who linger at his stall to sample various hot sauces such as Mango Habanero and Peach Ghost Pepper. “I like meeting the customers and seeing them try it and enjoy it,” he shares.
Everyone in town is happy that the farmers market is back in full swing after Covid. Due to the pandemic, the market was moved to the rear parking lot beside the police station to accommodate social distancing. “We originally moved to the back lot when COVID began to have a safe space for vendors and shoppers alike,” explains Chappaqua Farmers Market board member Wendy Rubin. “Once the pandemic quieted down, the town had asked us to move back to our original space at the circle so that the community could gather to shop, hang out, enjoy the activities we also offer, and bring our great energy back to the center of town.” This summer marked the return of the market to its original location. The vendors seem to agree the move back has reinvigorated the market. Bindelglass shares that “It’s a nicer area, easy to walk around and see everybody. It’s better too because you get the people coming out of Bobo’s. I know that the other vendors much prefer this location.” Scott Wordsman of Doc Pickle agrees that “everybody says it’s better over here.”
The move has also helped encourage community members to shop locally. “The town really wanted the market back at the circle as well to bring more people into downtown and to help businesses in town on Saturdays,” adds Ms. Rubin. Wordsman agrees that supporting local businesses is important, sharing that “It’s a nice alternative to going to the grocery stores and big factory shopping.” He also simply enjoys being a part of the environment at the market: “I like serving the community and seeing all the people come out. It’s nice to give the kids a pickle on a stick.”
The market strives to leave positive impacts in other ways as well: “We offer food demos, community engagement from other local nonprofits, collect funds and food for our local food pantries, and work with the NC Sustainability Board to engage the community in how they can be more conscious of the food waste and composting,” says Ms. Rubin. “Through our SNAP/EBT program we are able to help those that can’t afford to buy fresh and local food an opportunity to shop with us. With our sponsorships, we can offer additional ‘tokens’ to give them a boost in their purchases.” The benefits of shopping locally extend beyond our town since we minimize our carbon footprints by opting for environmentally-friendly companies. According to the National Farmers Market Coalition, “sustainability is the overarching theme in this system. Farmers engage in sustainable farming practices to produce healthy food to sustain the local community, who in turn provide the money necessary to sustain the farmers. Each shares in the success of the other in a mutually beneficial relationship that has become a model for sustainability.”
Per their website, chappaquafarmersmarket.org, the market will be up and running “every Saturday during our outdoor season.” Autumn weather will only add a coziness to The Chappaqua Farmers Market’s winning atmosphere, so drop by to enjoy the many delectables, listen to live music, and connect with the community.
