The Lowdown on The West Harrison Farmers Market

Welcome, for today's blog entry I want to take a look at the brand new West Harrison farmers market.

History:

I guess it started in June 2010, when I took a walk through the farmers market in White Plains. I wanted tomatoes and peaches. Okay, so June is a little early for juicy peaches, but as I walked through the market I was amazed at the items I saw there.

I had a store in West Harrison and our business area was hit hard after the streetscape was finally completed. We lost businesses and foot traffic. Everyone on the strip was slow. There were days when I looked down the street and did not see any cars parked in front of anyone’s store. I could not think of a solution to bring people back to West Harrison. The stroll I took on that morning last June planted the seed.

I called friends and family to see how they felt about a farmers market in town. Everyone thought it was a great idea: the one stipulation was that they wanted it on a weekend, rather than mid-week because everyone worked. My next stop was a visit to Mayor/Supervisor Joan Walsh’s office to see if the idea was feasible. Once I had her approval, I went back to the market to see if there was a representative I could speak with.

I think it was two weeks later when I met Johanna Safar. She is the representative for Bensidoun, USA, the company that owns the White Plains market. She was very excited about the idea of establishing a market in West Harrison. We met a couple of times, did a drive through the area so she could have a sense of what to expect, and I was ready to go back to Joan’s office with my information.

On Sept. 23, 2010, I introduced Johanna to the Town Board, where we presented our request: but, due to the end of year issues that had to be dealt with, the project was not passed until early 2011. Contracts had to be signed, certain issues needed negotiation, but eventually Johanna was able to sign farmers to the market.

Currently:

I am so pleased about this. I think this is a wonderful thing for West Harrison. It will draw all those people from White Plains, Purchase, Armonk etc. who are unable to shop on weekdays because of their work schedule. Once in town, they will see that West Harrison has much to offer. I think people will like the small town feel and appreciate the convenience of coming here to shop and run errands.  

The was Saturday, June 4, and it was a huge success. Many people came out to see what we had to offer. There was a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Joan Walsh, Councilman Fred Sciliano, Johanna Safar, Sebastien Bensidoun (owner of Bensidoun, USA) and myself. There was a table of free offerings for anyone who chose to taste and we had a wonderful cooking demo by owner and head chef Joseph Engongoro, of in West Harrison. He made lamb skewers and rice balls that left everyone who tasted them swooning, including myself!

Here is a look at some of the offerings at the market:

• Harrison’s own creperie, , will be a regular at our market. Denise and staff will be there every Saturday morning making crepes: what a great way to begin the day!
• We have a farmer from Connecticut, Amelia’s Florist and Farm; in addition to selling great produce, she offers gorgeous hanging baskets of flowers. 
• Rolling Ridge Farm, from Pennsylvania Amish country, has a huge display of wonderful produce as well.
• Bob Gianserra and his sister, Judy, offer a selection of amazing breads, croissants, and muffins (try the olive bread…to die for!) 
• Mirabelle, a cheese shop on wheels, carries Coach Farm Goat Cheese (oh, heaven), as well as imported French cheeses: Andrea will give you a taste to help you in your purchase. All are divine!
• There is a lovely selection of organic soaps at Merriweather’s Natural.
• Big Girl Bakery, owned by Jody Milano and her two sisters, offers delicious baked goods where you can also find gluten free items. All products are made from all natural ingredients and preservative free. 
• Mr. Smoothy whips up a delicious fruit smoothy: just what one needs while shopping the market in the summer sun!
• North Winds Farm, is everything lavender from oils to jelly!  Every item is handmade, or, hand embellished by Ellen, the owner: she will be at the market every other week.
• There is a salumaria, Mike the Cheese Guy, where Italian cheese, pasta and dried sausages are available: if you are unable to decide which sopressata to buy, a sample will nail the deal.
• Dr. Pickle has an amazing selection of pickled veggies…my favorite is the mushrooms, unbelievable! 
• Delaney Peanuts and Company presents a huge selection of nuts, dried fruits and brittles. You can bring your own container to fill at this station.
• At Ducky Life Teas, Dina will help you select organic, loose teas, accessories and gifts. 
• Basso Molise Olive Oil, offers a wide range of imported olive oils. This Saturday, June 18, John will be at the market for a free olive oil tasting beginning at 11:00. Stop by and savor the different tastes found in olive oil. 
• Dolce Denise, LTD. is new to the market scene this year: currently offering handmade, fresh baked, assorted cookies and dog biscuits: offerings will continue to expand. No artificial ingredients or preservatives are used.
• Taste Provisions is an unusual find at a farmers’ market: Olivier is a culinary trained chef who brings prepared foods you can take home and just reheat: very nice after a day of shopping the market!

I invite everyone to come to the West Harrison Farmers Market. There is something for all including the family dog! This market will run every Saturday, rain or shine, from June through October 29. Hours of operation are 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Stop by the Dolce Denise table to say hello: I will be happy to give you a cookie!