By Kate Bartlett
The Makers Market Little Valley, formerly known as the Ellicottville Farmers’ Market, is entering its ninth season, and its most exciting one yet! The Market is pivoting to a brand-new home at Old Winship Park in Little Valley. After eight years of bringing fresh produce, handmade goods, and local talent to Ellicottville, the market is expanding its reach with a more central county location with improved accessibility, and room to grow.
The Stem, and Springbrook Farms Apiary will return, alongside new faces like
Lotus Moon and Stone Jewelry and BB7 Buffalo who makes beeswax fi restart-
ers, simmer pots, patio candles, and more. Vendor spots remain intentionally
accessible, at only $10/per week, making the market a low-barrier opportunity
for emerging makers and busy producers.
This season, the market will run Tuesdays from 3 – 7pm, beginning this Tuesday, July 7 and continuing for nine weeks through September 1 at Old Winship Park on Winship Ave.
Caitlin Croft founded the market in 2018 and has stewarded it through nearly a decade of growth, including the unprecedented challenge of operating through a global pandemic. “It’s incredible to see how far this market has come,” says Caitlin. “Moving to Little Valley opens new doors for our vendors and our community. We’re excited to build something even bigger.”
The market continues its evolution from a traditional farmers market to a full Makers Market, reflecting the wide variety of vendors who participate each week. “We’ll still have farms and fresh produce,” explains Caitlin, “but we also feature maple syrup, honey, artists, florists, makers, and more. It’s like a mini festival every Tuesday.”
Vendors are allowed to drop-in weekly or participate all season, creating a fresh experience with every visit. The market also plans to bring back the beloved kids’ craft station. “Last year, the kids’ crafts were a huge hit,” says Caitlin. “We’re looking for sponsors again, it’s a simple $50 – $100 opportunity that gives businesses great visibility and most importantly a free craft for the kids!” The first week’s craft will be painting flower pots.
The move to Little Valley comes with thoughtful updates: a new day of the week, an earlier start time, and a location designed for future expansion. “We listened to our vendors and our customers,” Caitlin notes. “This new location gives us the space we need to keep growing.”
Core vendors like Sugarbeez Natural Soaps, Barnett’s Mushroom Farm, On The Stem, and Springbrook Farms Apiary will return, alongside new faces like Lotus Moon and Stone Jewelry and BB7 Buffalo who makes beeswax firestarters, simmer pots, patio candles, and more. Vendor spots remain intentionally accessible, at only $10/per week, making the market a low‑barrier opportunity for emerging makers and busy producers.
Beyond shopping, the Makers Market continues to champion sustainability and local economic impact. Roughly 65% of every dollar spent at a farmers market stays in the community, strengthening small businesses and reducing environmental footprint. “Shopping small and shopping local matters,” says Caitlin. “It keeps money here and shortens the distance goods travel.”
For Caitlin, the heart of the market remains unchanged: “My favorite part is watching people gather; seeing vendors grow, seeing customers connect. It’s an honor to create a space where local products meet local people. With this new location I cannot wait to see so many new faces!”
For more information or to sponsor the weekly kids’ craft, email makersmarketlittlevalley@gmail.com or message Caitlin directly at (716) 440-7933.
The Makers Market takes place every Tuesday from 3 – 7 PM, July 7 – September 1, rain or shine, at Old Winship Park on Winship Avenue in Little Valley.