The Bear Creek Farm Farmers’ Market kicked off on Saturday, May 18, in the Stanfordville hamlet of Bangall, on the site of the old Red Devon restaurant. Eleven vendors offered a variety of food and refreshment, and a food truck stood by serving gourmet grilled cheeses for anyone who couldn’t wait to get home and cook.
Debra Kaye, the owner and operator of Stanfordville’s Bear Creek Farm, has worked for two years to get the market off the ground. “It took a lot of effort – it’s really hard to convince vendors to do a new farmers’ market,” said Kaye. “They value their time and they need to be sure it will be worth their while.”
The participants — who included Letterbox Farm, Manor Rock Farm, Nicky Di’s Spices and Millbrook Beef and Dairy — needn’t have worried, as most had sold all of their goods by late morning. A steady flow of locals enjoyed the market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to the vendors, there was face painting and Hula Hoops for children, and Stanford Pride had an information table as well, highlighting its upcoming Pride Month activities. The easygoing atmosphere conveyed a natural sense of community, as shoppers enjoyed the social interaction along with the more practical aspect of stocking up for the week ahead.
An area resident since 1986, Kaye was motivated to improve local options. “I want people to leave with enough to make a complete meal; we need more food choices locally.” Kaye was already comfortable with the farmers’ market concept — Bear Creek Farm has been a steady presence at Manhattan’s Union Square Greenmarket for six years. The Bangall location at 108 Hunns Lake Road was an obvious choice. Kaye had already been leasing the property, using the large building to house her flower coolers and processing operation.
Prior to Saturday’s grand opening, Kaye prepared to exhaustion. Nora Leibold, her assistant, conducted a survey of Stanfordville residents to identify their preferences, helping shape the market in terms of timing and offerings. “People told us they didn’t just want artisanal products, they wanted real food!” said Kaye, who canvassed dozens of Hudson Valley farmers and other potential vendors, assembling a balanced lineup to meet that request.
Kaye is already working to improve on the success of the opening and can count on the help of the vendors themselves, who were pleased with their results. “Millbrook Beef and Dairy is planting now to make sure they can give us corn in July. The Cooper’s Daughter [a Columbia County distiller] is scheduled for two weekends but might sign up for more,” said Kaye, who hopes to expand the market’s offerings to over 20 stalls this summer.
The positive response from both vendors and visitors has set a strong foundation for the market. As the market continues biweekly, it promises to be a community hub where residents can find fresh, local produce and enjoy family-friendly activities.
The next market date is Saturday, June 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., featuring the popular Cousins Maine Lobster truck at 11 a.m. For further information or to inquire about becoming a vendor, contact Debra Kaye at debra@bearcreekfarm.com.