Farmers Market to remain open every Sunday until Nov. 18 for Thanksgiving Day shopping

WARWICK — The Warwick Farmers Market, now in its 25th year of operation, will remain open on Sundays, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., until Nov. 18, the last Sunday before Thanksgiving Day.
The market, located just one block off Main Street in the parking area along South Street in the Village of Warwick, will continue to have everything for your Thanksgiving Day celebration.
That includes chicken and poultry, eggs, beef, pork, lamb, ostrich, bison, more than 20 varieties of breads, pies, tarts, quiche, and even wine, beer, hard ciders, pickles, trail mix, beeswax candles for the table, honey, maple and prepared entrees.
Loyal customer baseAlthough the Warwick Farmers Market has continued to have a successful year, thanks to its loyal customer base, the farmers have had a difficult season.
"We had a draught and then rain and then high winds," said Kornel Sztehlo, an employee of R&G Produce. "It was not our best year. But we still have a good selection of fresh produce and we'll be here for three more weeks."
ChallengesLocal farmers have also faced numerous other challenges including rising costs, a dearth of available workers and other expenses specifically related to agriculture like having equipment pulled out of the muck or having to hand pick off beetles.
Warwick Farmers Market Manager Penny Steyer points out that there is a local farmers market almost every day of the week, and sometimes two on the same day within a 20-minute drive. And, she explained that it is especially hard to find folks who can represent their farms at these markets since it is impossible for one farmer to be at multiple markets at the same time.
"Oftentimes," she said, "those competitive markets actually don't stimulate greater attendance. Warwick has been very lucky in that we've maintained a fairly strong consumer presence from a very loyal customer base. And as an agriculture-friendly and proactive community, as well as being a Sunday market, residents come to our market in order to be supportive of local agriculture."
Cheryl Rogowski, a vendor who has been farming since 1983, agrees.
"Here at the Warwick Market," she said, "we're thriving and growing stronger. Our clientele knows we're here and they come and support us."
Three weeks leftVendor Rich Focht of Huming Bird Ranch also overcame obstacles this season to produce his honey and maple syrup.
"We had a good season, "he said, "and we're bringing lots of our products here for the holiday season."
The good news is that the harvest is in.
"Over the next three weeks," said Steyer, "we will have everything for the Thanksgiving celebration as well as gifts and treats for the holidays, all available at one place, Sundays at the Warwick Valley Farmers Market."
- Roger Gavan