4 days ago
Popular farmers market opens for summer season
CANANDAIGUA, NY — The reaction from customers and vendors to the most recent Winter Canandaigua Farmers Market season — one that saw a move from its traditional winter home to the Mill Street market pavilion — was universally positive, according to Bob Stevenson, who manages the market.
The pavilion, of course, is where the market operates throughout the summer and fall season, which opens June 7.
'People have gone out of their way to say thanks for the move,' Stevenson said.
The market will add three new vendors this year, but customers can expect many of the same faces and vibe as previous markets offered. Yes, there will be a music series this year. And yes, there will be family-friendly special events throughout the season.
'Over the last few years, the market has become much more than a place to purchase healthy, fresh local products,' Stevenson said. 'It has become a community that is an integral part of downtown Canandaigua.'
Here's more of what you should know.
The market is located in downtown Canandaigua on the east side of South Main Street in the parking lot between Lafayette Avenue and Mill Street.
Signs are posted to direct visitors to the market, 167 Mill St. When you've found the pavilion, you've found the market.
Opening day is 9 a.m. to noon June 7.
The market operates Saturdays through Oct. 30.
The market boasts 35 vendors who represent a wide variety of locally grown and locally produced fruit, vegetables, meats, meals, honey, maple syrup, mushrooms and other food-related products.
Vendors and customers are very loyal and over the years have gotten to know each other. A varied mix of familiar faces include Seasons of NY, which Stevenson's wife Anne runs and offers soups, entrees and pastries; Seneca Vegetables, an original market vendor; Riedman Happy Hives, with honey and honeycombs; Ms. Linzy's Mac-N-Cheese; Howell Farm, for garlic, peppers and tomatoes; and many others.
Two award-winning breweries in the Finger Lakes region, Brewery Ardennes of Geneva and Keuka Brewing Co. of Hammonsport, also will be there.
See the complete vendor list at
'We are a true farmers market. That is, our vendors grow or produce what they sell,' Stevenson said. 'They don't buy and sell products from other producers."
Black Sheep Distillery, from Prattsburgh, Steuben County, produces a small, yet diverse selection of handcrafted spirits that represent the terroir of the Finger Lakes and New York state.
Spirit and Abundance, from Rochester, crafts plant-based, artisanal cheese that is free of dairy, gluten and soy.
Amazing Grains Bread Co., from Fairport, uses fresh ingredients and traditional methods to produce artisanal breads.
For more information about the Canandaigua Farmers Market, which has been selected as "Best in the Finger Lakes" three years running, visit or
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Canandaigua Farmers Market opens for summer 2025 season
