The South Wedge Farmers Market, one of South Wedge’s treasures, returns for the summer season on Thursday, June 3 from 4 – 8 p.m. at the corner of Alexander St. and S. Clinton Ave., behind Boulder Coffee Company.
Along with ample parking, a new shuttle service is available between Southview Towers, Pinnacle Place and The Hamilton.
The South Wedge is lucky to be home to the most unique farmers market in the Rochester area, now entering its fourth great year. Unlike most markets, this one is tucked away under big trees in a lovely, shady corner of the neighborhood. People of all ages, backgrounds and interests mix in a friendly community that reflects the diversity and energy found in the South Wedge urban village and its adjacent neighborhoods. All come together to enjoy fresh, delicious foods, good music and fun.
Remember how the peas, tomatoes, carrots, and corn from Grandma’s garden burst with ripe, juicy, intense flavor? Those flavors can still be found at the South Wedge Farmers Market, where you can buy those delicious veggies directly from the farmer who probably picked his crops earlier that same day. Unless you have your own backyard garden (or a plot in the South Wedge Victory Garden), you’d have to drive out into the country to find that same freshness.
All the fruits and vegetables come from small-scale, local farms, so crops are grown more sustainably than at giant agri-businesses that provide most of the food available today in supermarkets. Supporting these farmers supports the local economy and local food supply, which more and more people are seeing as the smart thing to do.
Because the fruits and vegetables all come from local farms, you’ll find those in season here in upstate New York – a great way to enjoy the pleasures of seasonal eating. The opening weeks at the market will highlight early summer’s tender salad greens, peas, asparagus, spinach, green garlic, radishes, and of course, upstate’s incredible sweet, juicy strawberries. Later in the season, as the harvest follows its natural course, tomatoes, corn, squash, beans, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, and other treats of summer will appear, followed by the rich bounty of late summer and early fall.
Farmers are also bringing eggs, meat and chicken from animals that were sustainably raised and humanely treated –- no antibiotics or hormones ever given. Local milk, cheese and yogurt will be available, plus honey, wine and flowers. Plants and herbs for your yard or garden will be available from farmers who, though not certified organic, use the same safe, sustainable growing methods. You will also find fresh pasta and baked goods, all you’ll need to take home for an easy, tasty supper.
Shoppers looking for value will find lots of options at the market. EBT customers are welcome; just bring your card to the market tent to receive tokens that can be used like cash. Tokens can also be obtained from a credit or debit card for easier shopping. You get more for your money at the market; the same dollar buys more freshness and nutrition than with conventional food shopping.
In addition to the market’s edible bounty, each week musicians will keep things lively. Kids will find fun activities. Perhaps the best thing about the South Wedge Farmers Market is that it’s a great place to enjoy a summer afternoon and meet friends and neighbors in our special part of the city.
The South Wedge Farmers Market, now officially part of the South Wedge Planning Committee, will be held every Thursday through October 28. SWPC is committed to the market’s long-term success and is providing resources to ensure it will remain a vibrant asset to the community long into the future.