Greenport Farmers’ Market will remain inside this spring and summer.
The market, which moved indoors last fall, allowing it to operate during the winter for the first time, is staying put, according to its president, Dorothy Catapano, who also owns Catapano Farms in Southold.
“It was popular throughout the winter,” she said. “We’re really excited because it is in the heart of the village and people can access it easily.”
The market will now have a fixed summer season (Memorial Day weekend through Halloween) and winter season (mid-November through late April), with the goal of one day being open continuously throughout the year.
“If we could add more vendors and have the support from the community, we would love to eventually stay open [year-round],” Ms. Catapano said. “There is an opportunity for that to happen.”
Finding a permanent home has been a challenge for the Greenport Farmers’ Market, which was lunched in 2011. In years past, the market would open seasonally from April through October in an outdoor area such as the parking lot at the corner of South and Second streets or the Polo Grounds on Moore’s Lane, just outside the downtown area.
The location shifted indoors in November to 414 First St., which has space for 20 vendors, including Catapano Farms, Suhru Wines, Alice’s Fish Market and other purveyors.
The farmers market also introduced a community booth, sponsored by BNB Bank, during the winter. The booth allows nonprofits and community agencies (such as local fire departments) to fundraise and share helpful information with the public. Organizers also added “The Boat,” which market patrons are asked to fill with non-perishable items such as canned goods, toys, toothpaste and clothing. The donations are then given to CAST and the Little Free Food Pantry to help support less fortunate community members.
Ms. Catapano said the market is currently looking for local vendors of all kinds to keep the operation going year-round.
“We are a unique kind of farmers market because it is not all vegetables or food,” she explained. “We’re looking for artisans like leatherworkers, painters and photographers to join, too.”
Interested vendors can apply by emailing Ms. Catapano at [email protected]
The market is currently open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through April 28. After a break, it will resume Friday May, 24, with hours on Fridays from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 26.
Winter hours pick back up mid-November.
