One Saturday Left To Visit the Farmingville Farmer's Market

The Farmingville Farmer's Market opened for five Saturdays in the parking lot, during July and August.

It was organized by the (FRA), and chaired by FRA member, Alexis Grasso, with help from event directors, Marisa Pizza, Mike Underhill and Jim Stratford along with other members of the civic organization.  This is the first year the successful venture has taken place.

The market offers a wide array of fresh vegetables from Hobbs Farm, an all volunteer, nonprofit farm in Centereach, which donates most of its produce to local food banks; berries, fresh cut flowers, homemade jams and organic honey from Patty's Berries & Bunches in Mattituck; peaches and pies from Briermere Farms; and decadent, artistic confections courtesy of the new Cupcake Girlz store, which will open in the  shopping center in September.

As patrons pick out perfectly ripe produce they are treated to performance art from Worldwide Voices in cooperation with the FRA.  This past Saturday, Farmingville residents of all ages were performing a song aptly titled "Welcome to the Market" which they composed in a recent songwriting workshop.

"We wanted to do something low-cost and family-oriented, so we decided on a three-week course. This is the final performance.  The theme is based on the farmer's market," said Pizza.

Farmingville resident, Karen Cordella, was delighted to bring home a vibrant bundle of sunflowers and wildflowers.

"I'm so glad I made it down. I wanted to make it. I've been so busy all summer long, so I'm glad I did. I got beautiful zucchini, and these flowers and I'm going to see what else is around," said Cordella.

The local farmer's market is slowly amassing a loyal following due to its high quality products, and positive community atmosphere.

"We've had a great, great steady flow of people.  It was 103 degrees, and we still had people come by," said Pizza.

Grasso explained the origin of this innovative, yet simple concept.

"We did a community visioning with Sustainable Long Island about the future of Farmingville.  The farmer's market got a lot of votes," she said.  "This is a volunteer market.  There are an awful lot of us putting in a lot of time for this."

Next year, they plan to expand the market, and have at least five farmers with 10 tables.

"It's something the community really deserves.  Other communities have a farmer's market.  Why shouldn't we?  From the turnout, the residents agree," said Stratford.  "People are asking for more.  When I say next week is the last week, people can't wait for it to open up next year, and for twice as long."

There's still one more chance to visit the Farmingville Farmer's Market on Saturday, August 13 from 8-11 a.m.