Irvington Market Bustling, But Are Enough People Buying?

Irvington's Farmer's Market, which runs every Wednesday from 3:30 to 7:30 behind the Main Street School, had a slow start drawing customers on Wednesday June, 23.

The market, which has a variety of locally produced goods and franchises such as Buddhapesto, Picklelicious and Red Jacket Orchards, had a small crowd of regular customers, but was far from crowded at 4:00 p.m. last week.

When asked about sales, Grammy's Garden vendor Tim Sattler said, "We don't get "as many [buyers] as some other markets--it's hard to get a customer base."

Some vendors, however, attributed the lack of customers to the overbearing heat that swamped the afternoon.

"It's been slow but it's too hot," said Little Croc Bakehouse vendor Susanne Whitney. "I'm a mom and I would take my kids to the pool on a day like today." 

Despite the lack of crowds, however, vendors showed an optimistic attitude toward the rest of the afternoon, confident that customers would show up later as the heat subsided.

"It's kind of slow but we have regulars," said Honey Locust vendor Sarah Elisabeth. "They'll be here. Even if they can only run in for five seconds, they'll be here." 

Regulars of the market expressed disbelief that more locals didn't partake of the delicious, nutritious and sustainably produced goodies available right on Main Street.

"The market's really just got a great variety," Carolee Bentley, a devoted shopper who came all the way from White Plains, said. "I love going to the fish man when I come here, he always has great fish and clams." 

Although the market is completely separate from the Village,  Village Administrator Lawrence Schopfer said the town backs it completely and is very invested in its success.

"It is not as if we capitalize off of vendors' success," Schopfer said. "But if the vendors don't earn enough to make it worthwhile to come, the market won't be able to sustain itself.

When Irvington decided to host its own market a few years ago, they were in a sticky situation trying to compete with already-flourishing weekend markets in Hastings, Tarrytown and Dobbs Ferry.

"We decided to hold ours on Wednesday afternoons figuring that people would want to re-load mid-week," Schopfer said.  

Aside from offering a wide choice of organic breads, desserts and fruits, customers also praise the market for bringing people together.

But vendors and the Village encourage locals not just to mingle, but to buy, noting that everything--both ingredients and prepared food--is healthy and affordable.

"It's really a fun thing for the kids," Wendy Morgan, an Irvington resident said. "I'll give my kids $10 and they just go off and get some Indian food or whatever else."

Irvington's market runs from 3:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays just beside the Main Street School.