Babylon Village May Get Farmer's Market

Several Babylon Village residents have long wanted a farmer's market to come to town. Although Islip Village and Deer Park both host nearby markets during the peak growing season of June through November, Babylon Village has never had its own outdoor market for produce growers and specialty food vendors.

A group of residents is hoping to change that: Brian and Joann Donnelly are helping to organize the effort, along with a committee of a dozen volunteers. The Donnellys were inspired to approach Mayor Ralph Scordino to ask about the possibility of a village market by their efforts to teach their two young boys about eating healthily and supporting local farmers.

"I know there are farms on Long Island but where is their produce? Stop and Shop in West Islip had a little section for a while that had local cucumbers and potatoes but that was about it. I found that very sad," explained Joann Donnelly.

"One day I decided to go into the mayor's office to inquire about what I could do to get a farmers market started. I said that I would do the leg work because it is that important to me that we see our local farmers and support what they do."

Mayor Scordino was in favor of a small market, and the Donnellys joined other village volunteers who had previously expressed interest to start a planning process.

A location and start date are still to be determined, although sources involved in the planning report that the municipal village parking lot east of Deer Park Avenue and the parking lot north of the train station are being considered. The market will either begin this fall and run through the end of the season before picking up again in late spring of 2013 or begin next year. The committee is actively searching for produce and other vendors.

Michelle Mathews is one of the farmer's market advocates. "I have spoken with the mayor on numerous occasions for the need of a farmer's market here in our village and I was so happy when Joanne called me the good news."

Mathews envisions a market with a diverse array of vendors.

"Having a wide array of products as possible- fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, plants, honey, jams, eggs, fish, and baked goods etc.- means you can pick up dinner in one place."

The market will be held on either a Saturday or Sunday morning, and committee members hope the market shoppers will also patronize village businesses.

Patch will bring you the latest on this story as more details are finalized.