BID announces return of summer-time public market downtown

Posted by Howard Owens on April 2, 2009 - 8:00am
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The Downtown Batavia Public Market returns Thursday, June 25 for its third year of operation, according to Don Burkel, manager of the Batavia Business Improvement District.

The market will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and run until Sept. 10 and operate at the corner of Ellicott and Center streets.

"This year the Market will be open on Thursdays to accommodate  residents and employees of the businesses and government," Burkel said.  "This provides a convenient venue for them to shop for fresh vegetables, fruit, baked goods, fresh cut flowers, honey, specialty BBQ sauce and popcorn and lots more within a short distance of their homes and places or work."

There is plenty of parking at the location, Burkel noted.

For those interested in being a vendor at the Downtown Public Market they can contact the Business Improvement District Office at 585-344-0900 or for more information visit the BID Web site.

Posted by Beth Kinsley on April 2, 2009 - 8:43am
I don't understand the logic of the hours. This completely shuts out anyone who works during the day. I went to the farmers market several times last year when it was held on Saturdays and was surprised at the lack of attendance but I don't think there was a lot of advertising for it. I only knew about it because I stumbled upon it one day.
Posted by Donna Jackett on April 2, 2009 - 11:20am
I think this is wonderful. The Friday Market at the downs has the same time frame. This will be right downtown and I hope it draws alot of people. Its one great step forward.
Posted by Beth Kinsley on April 2, 2009 - 11:41am
It's wonderful for people who don't work during the day or maybe work right in the city and have a long enough lunch hour to run over there. It stinks for those that don't. If they could even stay open until maybe 6 I could stop on my way home from work to pick up some fresh produce for dinner.
Posted by Mark Potwora on April 2, 2009 - 12:44pm
"This year the Market will be open on Thursdays to accommodate residents and employees of the businesses and government," Burkel said.How long do they think people have for lunch that they can go shopping at a farmers market...
Posted by Howard Owens on April 2, 2009 - 2:00pm
I just spoke with Don Burkel. He said an experienced and reputable vendor who will be participating in the market recommended the hours. Other vendors agreed, as did the committee.

"We have good, strong vendors and if they feel that these are the hours they are dedicated to, then that's what we need to pay attention to."

He also noted that not everybody takes lunch at the same hour.

The hours of this market are not uncommon either here in Batavia or with the markets in Buffalo.
Posted by Beth Kinsley on April 2, 2009 - 2:05pm
The Rochester public market is open on Saturdays and it is always packed.
Posted by Gabor Deutsch on April 2, 2009 - 2:33pm
I am sure that it is hard to accomodate everyones schedule but thats the price u have to pay to buy locally. Actually the prices are very much the same as a grocery store (if not more) so its no big deal. There are a few farmers that actually have produce stands open on saturdays once the season gets in full swing if you dont mind travelling a few miles to Pembroke or Basom.
Posted by Donna Jackett on April 2, 2009 - 3:28pm
Has anyone been to the market at the Downs? The hours are the same. If you work out of town you are out of luck anyway. Can't please everyone.
Posted by Beth Kinsley on April 2, 2009 - 3:33pm
I guess that's my point - there is already one with hours during the work week. The good thing about the one downtown last year is that it was on Saturdays so I wasn't "out of luck anyway". No big deal. I will just get my produce from Walmart. I would prefer to support our local farmers though.
Posted by Peter O'Brien on April 2, 2009 - 5:11pm
The hours are just plain dumb.

At least the one at Center & School Sts. is open on Saturdays 9am - 2pm June 28 - October 11
Posted by bud prevost on April 2, 2009 - 5:56pm
Beth-Leroy has one on saturdays behind LB Grand. Couple of the locals plus a few from around the county, baked goods, I think arts and crafts....the wife loves it, and the boy can use his "outside" voice when they are there!
Posted by Beth Kinsley on April 2, 2009 - 7:50pm
Thanks Bud. I don't get back home enough. Right down the road but I hardly ever get there anymore.