Beacon Farmer’s Market Has Something for Everyone

Pat’s Kitchen Corp, located in Poughkeepsie, was one of several vendors serving up delicious, ethnic food at Sunday’s Beacon Farmer’s Market. From left are; Karen, Shaun and Donton, all in their second year at the Market and each loving the weekly experience.
Pat’s Kitchen Corp, located in Poughkeepsie, was one of several vendors serving up delicious, ethnic food at Sunday’s Beacon Farmer’s Market. From left are; Karen, Shaun and Donton, all in their second year at the Market and each loving the weekly experience.

By Jennifer L. Warren

BEACON – “It’s like going back to another time, one when things were much simpler, and we all just shared our services and got along,” explains Melissa Green.

Green, who, along with her husband, Andre, run Nu Cosmic Earth, specializing in crystals, Reiki and good vibes, has just returned to her business booth after chatting with Jodie Rocchio, one of the owners behind the booth right across the way, The Fearless Cooking Company. The two women were enthusiastically chatting about Reiki as Green provided positive feedback on Rocchio’s unique, refreshing beverage offerings, including such namesakes as; ginger mint citrus, chai coffee, and blueberry hibiscus tea, on this particularly hot Sunday afternoon. The casual banter resonated with the comfortable flow apparent throughout the entire space.

Andre and Melissa Green, owners of Nu Cosmic Earth, offering crystals, Reiki and good vibes, were one of a diverse types of vendors on hand at Sunday’s weekly Beacon Farmer’s Market.
Andre and Melissa Green, owners of Nu Cosmic Earth, offering crystals, Reiki and good vibes, were one of a diverse types of vendors on hand at Sunday’s weekly Beacon Farmer’s Market.

Welcome to the Beacon Farmer’s Market, where each Sunday, from 10am-3pm throughout the summer and fall (hours vary once winter rolls around), an eclectic mix of vendors-totaling over 75 just this summer- occupy the busy Main Street strip. In addition to the regular farmer’s market fanfare of fresh, local produce, including shiny purple eggplant, emerald green zucchini, grass-fed meats, and farm fresh eggs, the market- which accepts SNAP and EBT- also features homemade soaps, body products, a recovery drink made of turmeric, ginger and other reviving, wholesome goodies named “Daily Kick,” baked goods (both gluten-free and regular), live music (this past week Andrew Jordon was strumming his guitar, singing powerful melodies while wooing the crowd with his talents), and plenty of friendly, community interaction. It’s those people that are the true allure for many of the vendors.

“It’s so lovely here; there are a lot of different cultures and such a good overall feeling,” said Karen, who was working behind the Jamaican food booth, and whose wide assortment of hot food dishes, featuring authentic Jamaican cuisine, along with vegan options, such as tofu in curry with vegetables, were providing enticing aromas and pulling in a steady flow of excited customers. “We get very good support here at the Market, and truly enjoy it.”

Courtney Wiggins, owner of The Winsome Apothecary, offering; clean deodorant, in shower scrubs, body oils and bath soaks, was one of the many vendors at Sunday’s Beacon Farmers Market.
Courtney Wiggins, owner of The Winsome Apothecary, offering; clean deodorant, in shower scrubs, body oils and bath soaks, was one of the many vendors at Sunday’s Beacon Farmers Market.

Rocchio, who had just handed a thirsty customer one of her homemade beverage concoctions, a lemon orange lime aid, with a huge, radiant smile, echoed similar sentiments about the Market, where she and her husband made their premier appearance at last winter. Specializing in soups as well as having a pizza-making business, the duo could not be more happy to be contributing baked goods and drinks to visitors in Beacon during the summer months.

“I really, really love the people here,” said a beaming Rocchio. “There are a diverse set of vendors, and it’s just such a great overall atmosphere to be a part of.”

Meanwhile, an appreciative music lover could be spotted running over to Jordan’s spot as he diligently tried to tune his guitar for the next number, handing him some monetary gratitude, while exclaiming, “You are so darn good; I love listening to your music.”

From left, Jaeden Drysdale, a senior at Beacon High School and Kiwan Nam, who is attending the Culinary Arts Institute, display some of the fresh produce their Common Ground Farm booth had available at Sunday’s Beacon Farmers Market.
From left, Jaeden Drysdale, a senior at Beacon High School and Kiwan Nam, who is attending the Culinary Arts Institute, display some of the fresh produce their Common Ground Farm booth had available at Sunday’s Beacon Farmers Market.

Andre Green, whose booth was located right behind Jordan’s “stage,” added more funds to his pot as well as verbal affirmation, “Great, great job man; keep it up!”

All around there were people supporting people, businesses finding common ground with one another, their owners developing personalized relationships with customers, and everyone flourishing as a result. It was a vision just as Green explained it: Going back in time and just plain being happy.

To learn more about the Beacon Farmers Market and their special weekly happenings, log onto: Beaconfarmersmarket.org.

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