Market confusion

It seems that there is a little bit of confusion in the farmer’s market arena. There are two farmer’s markets held in Pine Island, the “Pine Island Farmer’s Market” and the Pine Island “Black Dirt Farmer’s Market.” The names and goals of these markets are similar. The main difference is that these markets run at different times of the year. “The Pine Island Farmer’s Market LLC,” which was hosted by W. Rogowski Farm and co-sponsored by Cheryl Rogowski and the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce this year, is a monthly “Off Season Specialty Farmer’s Market” that takes place once a month during the months of November through April. The Pine Island Farmer’s Market brings to the Hudson Valley residents an opportunity to break out of their cabin fever and partake in a tradition that they have grown to love so much. It affords them the opportunity to not wait for spring to arrive. Weather-weary souls can attain the comforts of a community gathering to stock up on foods and goods that traditionally give thought to sunny days and warmer weather. We were pleased to provide you, the community, the opportunity to partake in the events that we held this season. We were very gratified by the participation of the vendors and customers, without which there couldn’t have been a market. We look forward to our next market season which will begin on Nov. 19. Our 2011-2012 season will include five markets. There will be both a pre-Thanksgiving and pre-Christmas market, as well as three more monthly markets. From January through March, the markets will be held on the last Saturday of the month. Our goal is to provide the community with “A farmer’s market with a personal touch.” The Pine Island Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Pine Island “Black Dirt Farmer’s Market. This is an “in season” farmer’s market that will run weekly on Saturdays from June 11 - Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be located at Pine Island’s Town Park. The goal of this market is to provide the Black Dirt region with it own market place, in an effort to bring consumers to the area, allowing them to see where their produce is grown. Farmer’s markets grant access to a valuable service for the community, providing the opportunity for local residents and businesses to conveniently obtain and sell high quality locally grown and artisan produced natural products in a welcoming and informative setting. The “Pine Island Black Dirt Farmer’s Market” is currently looking for local vendors to participate in their market. Congratulations to the Chamber of Commerce for having such a wonderful goal for our community. We hope that the community supports each of these separate markets, in their own seasons. Sincerely, Ed and Wendy Vandercliff Market managers of the Pine Island Farmer’s Market