SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse Downtown Farmers Market celebrated the end of its 50th year anniversary. Many days during this Farmers Market season were rained out, but on the final day, customers and the vendors were gifted a rare but beautiful 70 degree day in Central New York.
For Iris Maxwell, a longtime Syracuse resident, the farmers market allows her the opportunity to interact with the community. Not only is it a bright part of her day, it’s also special since it’s a great place for her to spend time with her great granddaughter and see the other kids enjoying themselves.
“Just being outside,” Maxwell said. “Sometimes the fountain is on– the kids love it. They come out here and play. The food is good. And you support the homegrown workers.”
The event, although small, is a staple in the Syracuse community and is essential to business promotion and earnings for the farmers and vendors. Mark Pawliw of Eden Fresh Network enjoys the community aspect of farmers markets. His main focus as a vendor is to build a relationship and connect with the community.
“I think it’s great.” Pawliw says. “Wherever I live; wherever I go; I just want to be apart of that community. Right now, Syracuse is that space for me.”
These weekly markets for four months out of the year are sometimes the highlights of people’s weeks or days, and while the vendors are there to sell their product and connect with the community, Rob Travers, director of operations of Downtown Committee of Syracuse, says the market is ultimately all for the vendors.
“They come rain, shine, cold, no matter what, they’re here,” said Travers. “We’re here to help them. It’s for them, not us.”
The Syracuse Farmers Market is set to return to Clinton Square in May 2023.
