By Jessica Schultz
Summer is almost upon us; the weather is sunny and warm and farm fresh produce is arriving to farmer’s markets all over our counties. One of the biggest is the Jamestown Public Market that runs from June 11th through October 29th, every Saturday from 10-2pm, running along Jamestown NY’s Third Street. The Villager had the chance to speak with Market Director Linnea Carlson about what the market season will look like for 2022.
Villager (V): The market is back for 2022; what will the market be offering this year?
Linnea (L): We are so excited to have the market season begin! 2022 we will once again be along Third Street, between N. Main and Cherry Streets. We are thrilled to welcome back our favorite farmers and vendors, but also excited to welcome several new vendors. We will have four produce vendors this year, including new vendor Carlberg Farm, each offering a variety of selection; we welcome a new baker, Magic Cat Bakery each week; and continue to offer space to new artisans in the area, such as our new woodcraft vendor Turned N’ Burned. Last year was our most successful season on record, and we hope to continue our growth this year. We are also excited that our main local meat vendor, Conklin Family Ranch, will be at market each week with their locally raised beef and pork products! We continue to expand our offerings and want the market to be your one-stop grocery stop!”
V: Anything new about the market for this year?
L: “The most exciting part of 2022 will be the return of several of our favorite market event days, and new this year is our collaboration with a variety of local events and organizations. We will once again be partnering with Jamestown Pride for our opening day, June 11. We will be taking over a large part of downtown Jamestown, offering double the number of vendors on a typical day as well as host outreach from community organizations. July 16 will be the weekend of the annual Scandinavian Festival, and we will be welcoming the decoration of the Maypole alongside market. We will also be partnering with the Chautauqua Connection’s Children’s’ Coalition for their ‘Christmas in July’ event and Color Run on July 23. And of course, August 6 we will celebrate Lucy Fest as only Jamestown can! So, there is a lot to celebrate.”
V: What forms of payment are accepted?
L: “The Market accepts cash, as well as credit, SNAP/EBT, Double Up Food Bucks, and WIC/Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers. Double Up Food Bucks is a national model for healthy food incentive programs that provides individuals and families who use SNAP benefits with a dollar-for-dollar match that encourages the purchase of healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetables. Individuals can spend their SNAP/EBT benefits by visiting our green Jamestown Public Market Information tent each week, and spend their monies on a variety of local products including breads, cheeses, meats and eggs. We will also be continuing our weekly children’s program, the SPROUTs, sponsored by Novel Destination. Each week children can participate in a free nutrition or agriculture focused activity, and receive a $2 voucher to spend on local fruits or vegetables.”
V: What do you think sets the Jamestown Public Market apart from other markets?
L: “We feel that the Jamestown Public Market is truly a special market because of our location and our partnerships with the community. Our entire city has truly embraced the market, from the city administration and council itself, to individual members of our community, to local businesses. We are so grateful to our neighbors, such as Crown Street Roasting and Covenant Manor, for welcoming us into their space, and we love to celebrate alongside various community groups bringing exciting events downtown. Jamestown has so much going on both downtown and throughout the city, and the Saturday market is one way to meet your neighbors and support local!”
V: Anything else to add?
L: “Our market will run Saturdays starting June 11-October 29, from 10am-2pm. We will also be launching our Mobile Market program on June 15, and continue to operate both our CSA Program and the GROW Jamestown Community Gardens. More information can be found at our website, www.jtownpublicmarket.org or on our FB/Instagram pages: Jamestown Public Market. The Jamestown Public Market is supported by the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation; the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation; the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County; The Chautauqua Center and Novel Destination.”
Thank you, Linnea for taking the time to speak with us about the market and everything it has to offer the community this season. And a special thank you to all the vendors making this event possible. More information on the market can be found at www.jtownpublicmarket.org.