By Jessica Miller
The Olean Area Farmers Market (Lincoln Park Pavilion, South Street, Olean) is bustling on Saturdays from 8am-1pm with fresh fruits and vegetables, small local business wares, and even some play for children. Many vendors have a permanent presence throughout the farmers market season, and some are temporary guests. The pavilion in Lincoln Park allows the market to carry on rain or shine with ample room to take in all that is for sale.
Food is not all that’s available at the Olean Area Farmers Market. There is art to feed the other senses too. Live music is a frequent feature of the day between 10am-12noon. Local craft vendors join the farmers in sharing their skills. Postcards, leatherwork, prints, bags, oils, and jewelry are a few examples of creative and distinctive products someone could purchase during the day. These local artisans are eager to share their hard work, items, and what they can do for shoppers.
pets. And no farmers market would be complete without dogs. Vendors and shoppers bring their canine best friends along for the day to play and enjoy company. Furthermore, food is not all that’s available at theOlean Area Farmers Market. There is art to feed the other senses too. Live music is a frequent feature of the day between 10am-12noon. Local craft vendors join the farmers in sharing their skills
Farming also requires hard work and skill, and the area farmers proudly offer their bounty to shoppers. Seasonal produce that originated in the area is one of the first things that comes to mind when one typically thinks of a farmers’ market. This association is confirmed when viewing the abundance of berries, greens, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, and any other garden features. The vendors on hand are happy to discuss their farm and growing methods—many of which are organic and practiced with sustainability in mind.
Farmers’ produce offerings aren’t limited to what grows in the soil. Eggs, honey, and meats can also be purchased directly from the hands that cared for the animals who made the products. Since many shoppers are concerned with sustainability and the care of livestock animals, they prefer to buy directly from trusted local farmers over shopping elsewhere. Faulkner’s Prosser Pastures of Portville is one example of meat vendors that market regulars have come to know. The third-generation farm proudly grows organic vegetables and uses organic feed for its animals every other weekend.
Not all animals at the farmers market are food. There are sometimes farm animals paying a visit for the day that are available for interaction and occasional pets. And no farmers market would be complete without dogs. Vendors and shoppers bring their canine best friends along for the day to play and enjoy company. Olean Area Farmer’s Market even features cute pictures of the week’s Market Pet on their Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/olean.farmers.market/) amongst other features for the weekend.
Market pets, vendors, and other special guests will be holding space at the Olean Area Farmers Market Saturdays up to October 28. Anyone who wants further details or a booth can visit https://www.oleanfarmersmarket.com or contact the market at farmersmarketofolean@gmail.com or 716-374-5257.
Continuation Caption: Not all animals at the farmers market are food. There are sometimes farm animals paying a visit for the day that are available for interaction and occasional pets. And no farmers market would be complete without dogs. Vendors and shoppers bring their canine best friends along for the day to play and enjoy company.
Continuation 2: Food is not all that’s available at the Olean Area Farmers Market. There is art to feed the other senses too. Live music is a frequent feature of the day between 10am-12noon. Local craft vendors join the farmers in sharing their skills.