After years of moving between temporary locations, the Riverhead Farmers Market is preparing to settle into a new winter home: the renovated Naugles barn at Hallockville Museum Farm (6038 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, 631-298-5292).
The market, now an independent nonprofit organization, will run Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 7 through April 24 (and a special Sunday market on Dec. 6). Its relationship with Hallockville grew from a shared interest in supporting local agriculture and strengthening community ties, said market manager Rachel Stephens, farmer and owner of Sweet Woodland Farm in Southold.
“It’s a natural partnership, “says Marianne Della Croce, the new executive director of Hallockville Museum Farm. “I feel like it helps us tell the story of modern-day farming in the area — and why wouldn’t we want to partner with another local nonprofit? It’s all around beneficial for everybody.”
Della Croce notes that Hallockville will host its own events on some market Saturdays and hopes shoppers will stay to enjoy them.
The market’s new home marks its sixth location in Riverhead. It began in the Swezey’s building on Main Street, then moved to the Long Island Science Center and the former Ben Franklin building downtown. Later stops included the former Homeside Florist & Greenhouses (later the site of East End Food) and Twin Fork Beer Company.
The lineup of farmers and other vendors is being finalized within the next few weeks, according to Stephens. Organizers expect to fit about 30 vendors in the barn, with the possibility of additional vendors setting up outside on temperate days. Applications are still open, with options to sign up for the full season, by the month or for individual market days.
“[Shoppers] will be able to talk directly with the farmer and the maker here and learn about their products,” says Stephens. “The vendors will have samples of most everything they’re offering.”
Some of the wares for sale at the Riverhead Farmers Market. (Photos credit: Nicole Petti)
The market currently has three produce farmers, along with vendors selling dairy products, cheese, meat, fish, eggs and other locally made foods. Confirmed participants include:
- Goodale Farms, with produce, beef, pork, chicken and dairy
- Coastal Logistics Farm with produce
- The Crumb & the Kettle with granola, bread, cakes and muffins
- Mecox Bay Dairy with pork, beef, cheese and ice cream
- Sweet Woodland Farm with medicinal herbs, teas and elderberry syrup
- Montauk Smoked Fish with tuna, salmon, white fish and lobster salad
- Z Designs with handcrafted pottery
- Urban Coyote Farm with microgreens
- Green Door Woodworks with cutting boards
- Knives by Nick with handmade knives
- Bare & Bark Co. with dog treats, bandanas and dog shampoo
- Pendleton’s Harvest Moon Farm with lamb, eggs, jam and baked goods
- Sunflower Café with quiche, linzer cookies and pies
- Tend Coffee with whole bean/ground coffee and hot coffee
- North Fork Fresh Eggs with chicken, turkey and eggs
- Sand and Soil Farm with produce and dried flowers
- Peconic River Herb Farm with plants, spices, salves and sprays
- Mattituck Mushrooms with fresh mushrooms, mushroom teas and tinctures
- 1610 Sourdough with sourdough bread
- Handcrafted by Hedges with goat milk soap, lotion and bath bombs
Organizers hope the move will give North Fork residents another reason to get out during the quieter winter season and support local businesses.
For the latest updates on what’s going on at the market, follow Riverhead Farmers Market’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
