Every Saturday, vendors from all over central New York gather at the Village Green to sell their products at the Hamilton farmer’s market. From organic produce to recycled art, the farmer’s market is a haven for students and locals looking to support small businesses and shop fresh. 

The market, which runs from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Saturday until Oct. 31, showcases goods from all over upstate New York. Lining the edges of the Village Green, booths proudly display their goods and vendors eagerly share their stories with market patrons. Walking around the Village Green, there is a clear sense of camaraderie among vendors and a diverse selection of goods. 

This past weekend, vendors were spread out along the Village Green with beautiful fall foliage surrounding their booths. People with dogs, strollers and bicycles all excitedly explored vendors’ new products. Many patrons, embracing the spirit of fall, inspected vendors’ pumpkins and gourds until they found the perfect ones to take home and decorate. 

Many Colgate students and faculty have fond memories of strolling through the farmer’s market, interacting with vendors and purchasing fresh goods. However, the farmer’s market looks a little different than last year. New COVID-19 guidelines have restructured the market: patrons must walk in one direction around the Green and wear masks. Although it may feel strange interacting with vendors under these new rules, the undying spirit of the farmer’s market continues to bring joy to many students and families. 

When discussing how the pandemic has affected the farmer’s market and Hamilton businesses, sophomore Tarik Cigeroglu praised local efforts at staying safe.

“People have been very responsible in Hamilton wearing their masks. At the beginning, the pandemic business was challenging, but now it is mostly back to normal,” he said.

Cigeroglu, a Hamilton resident, has worked at HeartStone Artisan Bakery since 2018. A staple in the Hamilton community, HeartStone Artisan Bakery is a well-loved booth at the farmer’s market. Between selling fresh-baked bread and pastries, Cigeroglu recognized that the essence of the farmer’s market is still alive.

“It is nice to see students and locals come together and support small businesses. Many small businesses depend on the Hamilton farmer’s market, so it is great to see people out and about even with all of these new restrictions,” Cigeroglu said.

As Cigeroglu mentions, Colgate plays an important role in the Hamilton community. While the farmer’s market is filled with warmth and charm, it is important to appreciate the hard work of all of the vendors and understand the significant impact Colgate students have. Beyond buying and selling produce, supporting local businesses at the farmer’s market is a representation of the bond between “up the hill” students and the broader Hamilton community.

From booths filled with fine cheeses to fresh cut flowers, the Hamilton farmer’s market adds so much value to the community. Fall at Colgate would not feel the same without walking down the hill, grabbing a coffee from FoJo Beans and perusing the amazing selection of products at the market. Whether you are craving one of HeartStone’s artisan focaccia flatbreads or need a midday cinnamon roll, the Hamilton farmer’s market is worth the trip.