Like most gardeners my little plot of earth was mud until recently and now has just become the holding place for the dismal looking storm windows the insulators found hidden in the crawl space. (I am curious if whether the windows were placed there as a substitute for the lack of any insulation or for some other nefarious reason.) Thankfully struggles with the weather does not stop professional farmers and craftspeople from showcasing locally produced items at Farmers’ Markets around the Adirondacks.

What started out to be a seemingly simple quest to list the upcoming farmers’ market openings resulted in the discover of 47 Farmers’ Markets, 80 Farm Stands, 15 restaurants and 9 stores that choose to serve local produce. I thought it best to streamline the process and find out what Farmers’ Markets are currently open for Memorial Day weekend.

Last Friday marked the opening on the Farmers’ Market in Elizabethtown, behind the Adirondack Center Museum. Held each Friday through mid October, the market offers in-season berries, homemade jams and jellies, breads, plants and handmade products such as pottery.

Warrensburg is opening its farmers’ market early again for the second year. Held at the Warrensburgh Mills historic district on River Street, the market will host about 15 vendors each Friday from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Adirondack Harvest Southern Chapter Representative Theresa Whalen says, “ Some markets outside the blue line are open even earlier but in Warrensburg not all of the vendors are producers. We have bakers and dairies that aren’t influenced by the growing season but use locally grown items to make their products. We also have crafts that are made from local products that can be sold. It is not totally dependent on the growing season.”

Whalen reminds me why I look forward to the opening of outside Farmers’ Markets. She says, “It is the unofficial beginning of summer. It is a festive time with music and people conversing outside. It is something to be enjoyed.”

She is absolutely right. From Memorial Day through the end of June Farmers’ Market will open at various locations across the Park. The best way to find out the market dates and hours nearest to you is to visit Adirondack Harvest. You may also want to call any of the producers for special orders or join a CSA to make sure you can always enjoy your fruits and veggies.