The Ithaca Farmer’s Market is a hub for local businesses and a staple of the Ithaca Community. It is an owner–operated cooperative market with over 160 members, who grow or produce their products within 30 miles of the market. On Saturday April 1, it came out of hibernation and back into the Steamboat Pavilion to start off the outdoor market 2017 spring and summer season. 

Although it was a chilly and rainy day, the market was buzzing with all types of anticipating Ithaca locals, students, and visitors who were excited to explore the pavilion, see their favorite vendors and meet a few new ones as well. The market has something for everyone — hot prepared foods, vegetables, fruit, pastured meat, bakeries, and exceptionally crafted artisanal gifts made by people from the Ithaca community.

For some, like the Thornton family, the market was a day to spend together and visit an Ithaca staple.

“This is our first time here,” Tina Thornton said. “We’re already really impressed.”

They explained that they had been to other markets around Michigan, their home state, but that none compared to Ithaca’s.

“This is the ideal situation for true farmers,” Roger Thornton said. He said that the fact that the market is close to both farmers and the community is convenient, because “most other places are outside cities and towns.”  

They were also very impressed with the pride Ithaca has for its market and the community aspect of endorsing local businesses.

“It is great to see that everyone here supports their local businesses — as everyone should,” Ms. Thornton said. “If everyone had so much pride in being local as Ithaca does, we might be able to see some significant changes not only in the environment but also in aspects of the economy.”

The market serves as an example for a financially and ecologically sustainable business model, most people focus more on the food and the community aspect of the market than the economics behind it.

“I feel like it’s different every time, you see different foods and crafts every weekend you come here,” said Chrissy McKenny, a recent Cornell graduate who came to visit Ithaca after living in Philadelphia for a few years, said.

She added that there was “no place like it anywhere else.” McKenny came with Maddy Tindall, a Tompkins County local who tries to make her way to Ithaca when the market opens up. “It’s just really nice to walk around and see what everyone is selling,” said Tindall said.

Ryan Ballard, a musical theater major at Ithaca College, said that he came to the market for two reasons:

“I think it’s one of the coolest things to do in Ithaca,” he said. “I love the vibe, the atmosphere, and it is also kind of a tradition to come here when my parents are here.”

Others like Chantal Croteau and Jhon Bilir, both MBA students at Cornell University, said that the Farmer’s Market is where they come to grocery shop.

“We try and get most of the fresh stuff from here and then supplement it with things we can’t really find anywhere else,” said Croteau said.

She added that although her favorite part of the market were the maple cookies, the market offers healthier options that most other places do not. She also said that what keeps her coming back is supporting the local farmers.

“People here are so nice, and it has been great to keep in touch with them over the years,” she said.

The Farmer’s Market will be in full swing through the summer and will officially move indoors on Dec. 16.