Farmers’ Market in Cohoes Off to a Great Start
The Cohoes Farmers’ Market is off to a great start by all accounts. The market, which started June 15th at the Cohoes Municipal Parking Lot on Remsen Street, across from the Harmony House Marketplace and Beau Knits, had well over 700 visitors in the first evening. Not bad for an event that hosts 13 different vendors offering a wide variety of product including fruits, vegetables, honey, meat, organic produce, sweets and much, much more.
Why is the Market so sucessful? I believe there are a number of reasons for the success. The most important reasons, though, are the community’s willing participation in the market and the Farmers’ Market Committee’s absolute commitment to making the idea of a market in downtown Cohoes, a reality. The Committee, whose members consist of interested business owners in the downtown, city and school board officials, as well as Farmers’ Market fans, has worked together towards this common goal. The idea of a market in downtown Cohoes was not new but past efforts were not successful due to the fact that conditions were not, excuse the pun, ripe. Today, I am proud to say we are more than ready for the market. We have a revitalized downtown with new businesses, new streetscapes and new partners.
Another key element in the success of our market, are the students, over 500, from the Cohoes City School District, who participated in the Framers’ Market Logo contest. Ms. Heather Kilventon, a Cohoes High student, won first place and her art work is now proudly displayed on all of the Farmers’ Market signage throughout the city. The top three entries were also recognized by the Cohoes Mayoral Foundation. In addition, all of the student’s entries are on display in our downtown at various businesses, of which I hope you will be able to visit and witness for yourself the great work.
We are not resting on our laurels, however. We encourage and hope that the Farmers’ Market will became part of your weekly routine. Besides a great opportunity to by fresh produce, meat and other great products, the market offers a great opportunity to meet your neighbors and friends in a relaxed community setting.
It was like a dream come true for me, last Friday night, to see hundreds of people walking up and down Remsen Street, shopping, talking and just enjoying the downtown. For those who remember when - Yes, it was like the good old days. Those good old days can and will continue, especially if the residents of Cohoes and the surrounding area support continue to this new venue. You will be pleasantly surprised, no only at the Market, but also the new businesses and look of downtown Cohoes.
