Wheatfield Farmers Market opens Wednesday

The grand opening of the Wheatfield Farmers Market this year will be Wednesday, May 25. From 3 p.m. to dusk near the Youth Center behind Town Hall, find offerings ranging from natural breads and sweet potato pies to popcorn and gourmet hot sauces.

The YMCA, which will be hosting a summer camp program in the Youth Center this summer, will provide both arts and crafts and face painting for children at the grand opening.

"Over, but not forgotten, was the very successful market season of 2010. Starting in September and running through October, our "trial" season last year produced both satisfied customers and a group of very loyal vendors wanting to return this year," said Judy Ponzi, member of the Farmers Market Committee.

Vendors returning this year include: Tina's Cheese, specialty cheese and Italian products; Prudom Farms, produce, fruit and Mennonite products; Great Harvest Bread Company, natural breads, muffins and scones; The Hot Dog King, hot dogs, hamburgers and other special grill products; Specialty Pies By Shirlene, a variety of sweet potato pies; Retzlaff Family Farm, in-season cornstalks and pumpkins; Cherry Bank Farms cider; New Day Coffee Roasters, fresh roasted coffee in a variety of flavors; Linda Gamache of St Peter's Lutheran Church, local garden vegetables; Koop's Kitchen, gourmet hot sauces; Old Falls Pastries, specialty cheesecakes; Chateau of Buffalo, wines and hard cider; Go Veggie Burgers; Zuch Farms, in-season fruits and vegetables, grapes, hot peppers; Howe's Cookies, gourmet cookies and cupcakes; Jeannie & Sweeney, gluten-free breads and brownies; and David DeVantier, homemade relishes and condiments. 

New this year are: The Kernel, home grown popcorn, including specialty coated popcorn; Librock Farms, Angus beef products; Bonards/Applewood Hollow, flavored cocoa and iced tea; Hanzlian's, homemade sausage products; Cucina de Torte, pies and Italian cookies; and The Stichin' Magician, machine embroidery.

The town is awaiting confirmation from several other vendors and welcomes anyone interested in participating, Ponzi said.

The Wheatfield Farmers Market also is scheduling entertainment for the market, which will continue each Wednesday through this fall. At future markets look for entertainers such as Craig McDonell from The A-List and Now and Then, led by Bernie Rotella, as well as more YMCA activities.

Resident suggestions are welcome.

The market, developed through the Town Centre Focus Group, is managed by town volunteers as a source for the products of the local farming community. Anyone interested either as a vendor or volunteer should call Town Clerk Kathy Harrington at 694-6441.