Five years ago Plattsburgh Farmers and Crafters Market co-manager Bonnie Gonyo started the annual Kids Day as a way to introduce the local farmer market to visitors and area residents. The event has grown bigger and better each year, adding activities and giveaways for children of all ages.

“This is our fifth anniversary so we have some special things planned,” says Gonyo. “I start planning this event in February. It takes time because we bring in a variety of organizations from the Girls Scouts to Mountain Lake PBS. This year we have a little 5th anniversary tote bag for the kids. It was illustrated by Speedy Arnold who also plays the guitar and writes his own music. I’m so excited to see those dancing veggies on the tote bag.”

A few of the 23 available activities for the July 30th event are a 4-H Petting Zoo, Pipsqueak the Clown, a car seat safety check, bounce house, ARC Kids Zone, arts and crafts, book giveaways and more. All the children’s activities are free during Kids Day.

According to Gonyo the Plattsburgh Farmers and Crafters Kids Day event takes place rain or shine. She said the weather at last year’s event was less than perfect, but even though it rained they still gave away over 1,000 bike helmets, something they’ll do again this year.

“I’m a vendor as well and I love what I do,” says Gonyo. “When we started Kids Day we realized that some people didn’t know there was a farmers’ market right here in Plattsburgh. We all provide local products and we work hard to make sure our products are unique and don’t compete with each other. Right now I’m making our jams and jellies. I make jam all day, three days a week. We’ll also pick our vegetables fresh for the market because our customers rely on us to give them fresh produce.”

The Plattsburgh Farmers and Crafters Market takes place Wednesdays from 10 am to 2 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am until 2 pm at Durkee Street Parking Pavilion.  The 5th Annual Kids Day is this Saturday, July 30, from 10 am to 1:30 pm. Enjoy!