John Jay Homestead Announces New Farm Market in Katonah

via the John Jay Homestead

 John Jay Homestead Farm Market, set on one of the few historic farms in the country once owned by a Founding Father and open to the public, will kick off for the first time on Saturday, June 25. This independent market will open every Saturday through October 15 and offer both organic and conventional produce and fruit harvested by select local farmers, as well as other local products.

“The history of Farm Markets at the Homestead dates back to the 1860s, and we want this market to be a hub of community activity now as it was then,” said Jennifer Gordon, Market Manager of John Jay Homestead Farm Market.

Starting opening weekend, the growing list of vendors includes:

• Cabbage Hill Farm of Mount Kisco supplying smoked trout, a variety of both pasture- raised beef and pork cuts and greens and vegetables, blue and brown chicken eggs, and dried herbs and teas. 
• JD Farms of Brewster will provide sweet corn and seasonal fresh fruit such as honeydew, cantaloupe, tomatoes, peaches and apples. 
• Patrons can also purchase flowers, seasonal produce and herbs from Amba Farms and I & Me Farms, both of Bedford Hills, as well as natural, handmade soaps, lotions, lip balms and soy candles from Clean Ridge Soap Co. of Pound Ridge.

Shoppers at John Jay Homestead Farm Market will also enjoy 62-acres of historic grounds allowing them to sightsee and explore flower, herb and vegetable gardens along with wooded trails and a pond.

John Jay’s public roles included President of the Continental Congress, the second U.S. Secretary for Foreign Affairs, the first Chief Justice of the United States, and the second Governor of New York State.  After a lifetime of public service, Jay retired to his farm in Bedford in 1801 to live the life of a gentleman farmer.  Jay’s descendants continued to live in the house until the 1950s when the house and acreage were purchased by Westchester County and transferred to New York State, securing John Jay Homestead State Historic Site as both a local gem and national treasure.

“We are thrilled to open our new farm market on this beautiful site and provide a unique experience which we hope will become a weekend ritual for families,” said Gordon. “We plan to partner with local businesses and non-profits in the community; we have some exciting plans for live entertainment, as well,” she continued.

 To celebrate opening day, Chappaqua Chef Jen Cook of Cooking with Fire will fire up brick oven pizza in her mobile wood burning brick oven. Another highlight of this event will be The Katonah Library, who will present their summer reading program for children featuring crafts and stories, along with a special performance by The Knox Sisters of Carmel featuring 10-year-old Samantha and 12-year-old Hailey.

John Jay Homestead Farm Market will be located at 400 Jay Street, in Katonah, N.Y. and will run from Saturday, June 25 - Saturday, October 15 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

For more information or for a full list of vendors visit the website at www.johnjayhomestead.org. To partner with the John Jay Homestead Farm Market or for vendor inquiries, contact Jennifer Gordon at 914-232-5651 ex. 108 or marketmanager@johnjayhomestead.org.