Indoor Winter Farmers Market returns to Mahopac

Getting tired of the slick roads and frigid temperatures? Longing for summertime and perhaps a visit to a farmers market for some fresh produce and beef from local farms?

The Recreation and Parks Department may be able to help. Later this month, the department will kick off its second annual Indoor Winter Farmers Market at Airport Park in Mahopac.

The Winter Market debuted last year and was such a success that recreation officials decided to bring it back.

“Last year was great. We got a lot of positive feedback,” said Recreation Supervisor Amanda Farina. “Now, we have a lot of returning vendors. We have a meat vendor who travels an hour and a half each way. They do very well when they come here.”

Farina said the idea of holding a farmers market during the colder months came from vendor and community feedback.

“They said it would be an opportunity for local farms and vendors to sell their goods,” she said. “We thought, let’s do this. Let’s try it out for once a month.”

Farina said the Airport Park location at 161 Hill St. provides the perfect location for the event. It has plenty of parking, and the building is just the right size for about 14 vendors — although, she notes, a few sellers do set up outside the building.

“It has grown since last year,” Farina said. “Even the farmers who don't have produce have dried items. And we have bakeries and craft vendors.”

Jen Mastropietro, the farmers market manager, said that the department has made it easier for vendors to apply, which could help draw more sellers.

“We started a different way of doing the applications. We are using something called Community Pass online rather than a physical application. It has been very helpful.”

“We have a process, and we review the applications to make sure there isn't an overlap,” she added. “We are looking for variety.”

Mastropietro said this year’s market will boast three farms as well as a variety of baked goods vendors, including sourdough breads, cookies and macarons.

“The farms have syrups and herbs as well as beef, and the craft vendors have things like candles, jewelry, art and self-care items like soap and hair products,” she said.

There will be plenty of hot cocoa, and the department will also be handing out giveaways such as tote bags and water bottles.

This year’s market schedule is Sundays, Jan. 18, Feb. 15 and March 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Should a market be canceled due to inclement weather, another will be held April 19.