Young people enjoy patriotic fun over July 4th weekend

Pine Island - Kids enjoyed some fresh, summertime fun at the Pine Island Black Dirt Farmers Market on Saturday, July 2, Nancy Colgan, the Warwick Valley High School agriculture teacher, and Warwick Valley FFA students hosted a special red, white and blue July 4th activity for children using fresh strawberries donated by Ochs’ Orchard. Children had a blast dipping the delicious strawberries into white chocolate then blue sprinkles for a special patriotic treat. “With the market falling on the holiday weekend, we thought a fun, patriotic event for children was just the perfect thing to kick off July 4th,” said Pine Island Chamber of Commerce President Marlene Caraballo. The market, which runs Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. now through Oct. 8, features local products including locally grown fruits and vegetables; grass-fed beef; potted plants; hanging baskets; herbs and herb-infused olive oils; fresh-baked pies; cheesecake; cupcakes, cookies, fresh eggs, maple syrup and Pine Island honey.