Gilboa Farmers Market Growing at Museum

Wyckoff at the Gilboa Farmers Market

By Matthew Avitabile

GILBOA — A new farmers market has grown significantly this year at the Gilboa Museum on Stryker Road. Organizer Marilyn Wyckoff said that “having a self-serve farm stand at the end of our driveway is impersonal.” She sought out space for the market and cited that there were no farmers markets around that part of the county.

The suggestion went to her aunt Kristen Wyckoff from the Gilboa Museum, who helped to set the ball in motion.

Wild Desire Farm is the sponsor for the market and the Museum is the host.

The last market of the season will be Oct. 3. It’s currently running every other weekend, with the next one occurring today. The market runs from 4pm to 6pm.

The market includes a 50-50 raffle for $1 a ticket or an armlength for $10.

Vendor fees are a donation to the Gilboa Museum.

“The biggest challenge to starting a farmers market” is finding reliable vendors, said Wyckoff. She hopes to bring in local farmers and artisans to remain for the entire season.

At the market is grass-fed lamb, chicken eggs, tomatoes, New York State chickens. There is also Hand Crafted with Love by Michelle Ashley with crocheted items, maple syrup, and produce. Wake and Bake Up food truck with a specialty in baked potatoes has been consistent at the farmer’s market. These include “completely loaded” potatoes that have received rave reviews.

Each market has a community action guest. Last week’s special guest was Catholic Charities’ effort against domestic violence. This week Char Rybicky’s business Cross Connects, a telehealth practice for mental health will be the special guest.

Wyckoff said that such guests are important to get to know the “different services that are out there in the community.”

At the same time, the Museum is opening for special hours on Fridays for tours. All are welcome to enter the museum during the same hours as the market.

The plan is to have the market every other Friday next year with the first one starting the Friday before Memorial and lasting through the Friday before Columbus Day. This would allow July Fourth, Labor Day, and Columbus Day weekends to be included.

For more information, call Wyckoff at 518-646-3348 and wyckoff12076@gmail.com.