The Saratoga Farmers' Market opened for the 2008 season on May 3 marking its 30th anniversary. The market has come a long way since the late summer of 1978 when it first operated in the Spring Street parking lot in Saratoga Springs. There were initially fewer then 10 vendors the first year and inclement weather on many of the days the market was open discouraged the farmers. The founders believed the market could be a huge success however and formed a board of directors, elected officers and developed a constitution and bylaws over the first winter. They even became incorporated as a not-for-profit organization. Obviously their optimism and hard work paid off; the market now has a permanent home on High Rock Avenue after its significant growth convinced city officials to construct pavillions and parking space large enough to hold the weekly gathering.

Every week throughout the year over 50 local vendors set up shop; during the summer the market is held at the High Rock location on Wednesday and Saturday. During the winter it is held only on Saturday at the Saratoga Springs Salvation Army building. Live music and chef demonstrations add to the lively social gathering.

The market stands firm in its committment to remain a local collaborative effort and is a local producer only market. All of the fruits, vegetables, baked goods, meats, wines, flowers and crafts (among many other things) sold at the market must be produced locally in Schenedtady, Reneselaer, Saratoga and Washington counties. Many of the products sold at the market are certified naturally grown and organic.

To learn more about the Saratoga Farmers' Market such as hours and exact location, hit the link to visit their official site.

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