LOUDONVILLE — As the Loudonville Farmers Market prepares for its inaugural season, the committee is welcoming applications from interested vendors and sponsors.
The market aims to connect local farmers and producers with the community, providing easier access to fresh and healthy vegetables, prepared foods, crafts, and more.
The market is being overseen by the Loudonville FFA Alumni & Supporters and managed by a committee of local farmers and producers.
“We want to make sure that this market truly represents area farmers and growers, and that they have a say in how this works,” explained FFA Alumni president Kenny Libben.
The market will be held in Central Park of Loudonville every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon between May 25 and Sept. 28, except for July 6 which is the Loudonville Car Show.
Applications for potential vendors are currently open, as the group seeks to host a diversified selection for customers to frequent. In addition to the staples of most farmers markets, such as produce and flowers,
Libben said the group is eager to find a variety of other goods ranging from eggs including duck, pheasant, etc, frozen meats such as beef, chicken, pork, and rabbit, honey and wax products, local maple syrup, fresh baked breads and desserts, goat-milk lotions and soaps, fresh herbs, live houseplants, artwork, crafts such as woodworking or metalworking, and much more.
The market aims to focus on local and sustainable goods, while emphasizing that no reselling is allowed.
Libben stressed that they want customers to be able to trust that all products are local and homegrown or homemade, not simply purchased in bulk elsewhere and re-sold at a markup like at many other markets.
The market is also seeking sponsors to help cover administrative costs including advertising and other additions such as live music.
Those interested in either becoming a vendor or a sponsor are encouraged to visit the market’s website at loudonvilleffa.com/market where full details on the market can be found, including vendor policies, a link to the online application, and information on sponsorship opportunities.
The deadline for vendor applications is set for April 7, which Libben explained would give potential vendors ample time to scale their plans for planting or other means of production if selected — noting that additional vendors are welcome to apply after the April 7 deadline but those in the first batch will be given priority and discounted rates.