TASTE OF OUTDOORS
Rain fails to dampen enthusiasm for start of summer season
Rain didn’t stop local folks looking for their first taste of farm-fresh food this season from heading to uptown Kingston on Saturday.
The Kingston Farmers Market kicked off its summer market season — and shoppers, umbrellas in hand, packed Wall Street to shop the variety of goods offered up by vendors from across the region.
“We’ve got 40 vendors this year, which is more than we’ve ever had in the past, so we’re expanding,” said Katy Kondrat, the market manager.
Mayor Steve Noble, who was on hand with his wife and son to cut the ceremonial garland to mark the opening, added, “It may be raining, but this is exactly what all of our growers need to have a really good bounty this season.”
Among those shopping was Caitlin Salisbury, the head chef at Yum Yum Noodle Bar on Fair Street. Salisbury said she bought pork spareribs from one of the vendors, adding that she planned to serve with a hosin glaze.
Emma Guthrie, of Lake Katrine, said that among her purchases Saturday were baked goods that will be a Mother’s Day gift. “I just like shopping local,” Guthrie said.
Alexa Prochaska had a basket filled with breads and cheeses that she, too, said would be for
her mother tomorrow.” I’m just picking up some stuff to make my mom some food for Mother’s Day,” she said.
“I try to come every week over the summer,” she added.
The market will operate on Wall Street, between Main and John streets, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday through Nov. 26, rain or shine, with vendors offering fresh fruits and vegetables, pastured meats and free-range eggs, a wide assortment of cheeses, wine and spirits, breads and other baked goods, honey, fresh-cut flowers, health and wellness products, and more.
There also will be live music and a variety of special events throughout the season.