Wheatfield starts farmer's market

The Town of Wheatfield has established a farmer's market, to be held at the Town Hall parking lot, 2800 Church Road, beginning Wednesday, Sept. 22.

It will continue every Wednesday through the end of October.  Hours of operation will be from 3 p.m. until dusk.

Vendors who have already agreed to participate and their products include: Tina's Cheese; Pies by Shirlene, a variety of sweet potato pies; Prudhomme Farms, eggs, produce, fruit and cookies; The Hot Dog King; Kornerstone Coffee, coffee ground to order; Retzlaff Farms, pumpkins and corn stalks; Great Harvest Bread, natural bread and baked goods; and New Day Coffee, fresh roasted coffee and coffee products.

As of Tribune publication deadline, the town was still in talks with several other vendors selling cider, fall fruits and vegetables, baked goods, chowder and dairy products.

Deputy Supervisor Ken Retzlaff, (shown in photo), who co-chairs the market project with his wife, Diane, said: "This is an exciting opportunity to test the appetite of Wheatfield residents and vendors for a farmer's market in Wheatfield. Our residents can benefit by having another source of fresh and healthy food, while providing vendors with a market for their products."

The market project comes from the Town Centre Focus Group, part of the town's Master Plan Committee. Other market project committee members include Bob O'Toole, Judy Ponzi, Karen Frieder, Nancy Rosie, Kathy Harrington and Gail Connery.

Next year, the committee is hopeful that the market will continue and expand. Plans include craft nights and flea market nights.

"This is an important first step in developing a Town Centre for Wheatfield," Retzlaff said.

Any local vendors, businesses and farms interested in participating in the market should contact Harrington, town clerk, at 694-6680. (photo by Walt Bissett)