The Pittsford farmers market made its debut at its new home earlier this month.
The market is now at 3750 Monroe Ave. after a stint at Pittsford Colony Plaza up the street. The market used to reside in Pittsford Plaza, but left with the construction of the Cheesecake Factory.
Cindy Christ, who is on the committee that organizes the Pittsford market, said moving so often is tough on business.
“It’s very difficult to get business going, but we’re hoping this location will be a good one,” said Christ, who operates B&C Christ Farms out of Kendall, Orleans County.
The Brighton farmers market is preparing to open for the third year at Brighton High School on Sunday, May 30.
Brian Beh of Rain Dance Harvest Sustainable Farms in Ontario brings his crops to several area markets.
“I think it’s a great way for local growers who are sustainably minded, conscious of the environment, and trying to grow organic to have an outlet to sell items and be with like-minded people,” Beh said.
Rain Dance Harvest Sustainable Farms has been a vendor at the Brighton market since its inception. His farm offers salad mixes, spinach, tomatoes, green beans, baby squash and strawberries.
“It’s a good alternative to the Rochester Public Market because it’s more relaxed and easier to access in the Brighton High School parking lot,” Beh said. “And you’re guaranteed you’re going to get a locally grown product. At Rochester it could come from anywhere in the world.”
The Pittsford Farmers Market, which has been around since 1991, added some new vendors this year and is up to 14 in total.
“We have a new producer, Red Jacket Orchards, that puts out their own juices, as well as the Miranda Cheese Company,” Christ said.
The opening market in Brighton includes the traditional cutting of the vine, music and Girl Scout Cadette Troop 678 helping kids plant seeds. Brighton is expecting about 45 vendors this year.
Color Brighton Green will be on hand at all of the markets to collect recyclables, including No. 5 plastics. The group’s Green Energy Fair will be held at the June 13 market.
“More and more people are conscious of being environmentally conscious, and our market is a good place for that,” said Sue Gardner Smith, organizer of the Brighton market. “It’s also a good place to see neighbors and friends. It has become a real gathering place.”
