Farmer’s Market Holds Annual Children’s Day Event

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Victor Padilla Jr. firmly grasped his miniature fishing pole in one hand, a plastic fish he had just diligently worked hard to attain in the other, as a wide smile enveloped his two year old face. Filled with joy and beaming pride over his prized catch, the youngster could soon be spotted off and running with his father onto the next, exciting activity.

“We found out about today’s event at the Armory,” said Victor Padilla Sr. as he held a basket of small eggs containing colorful stickers with animals the two had received upon arrival. “My son is having a lot of fun so far here today; it’s a great thing to be a part of.”

The Padilla duo made up an impressive showing of children, along with their parents and-or guardians who came out to enjoy the plentiful offerings at last Tuesday’s Children’s Day, part of the weekly Healthy Orange Farmer’s Market, held at The Broadway Green Lot-between Lander and Johnson Streets- in the City of Newburgh, hosted by the Orange County Department of Health and generously sponsored by the nearby Cathedral at the House. Typically featuring a bountiful array of healthy fruits and vegetables along with other nutritious offerings, the Market aims to have special themed days: Last Tuesday’s was all about the children.

As guests visited tables behind the regular, weekly vendors, they were greeted with an Early Intervention site featuring an assortment of games for youth. The Food Bank was nearby, providing a nutrition tasting. Education and learning were also part of the day, as Cornell Extension came with a nutrition game. Another agency, Chica’s Urban Farm Homestead was on hand with a chia seeds growing activity as well as plants-including pepper and jalepeno- giveaway from Wallkill Greenhouse.

“It’s a blessing to be here today,” said Crystal Renna-Lewis from Chicas, who teaches people how to grow their own food. “I showed kids how a chia seed can grow as well as wheat grain, things they could take home, water and see develop and something they got really excited about; they also had the opportunity to draw their favorite fruit or vegetable which will be put on a big poster board to display at the Orange County Department of Health.”

Another vendor, Master Gardener, was very pleased with their return appearance at the event, aiming to make learning about their subject matter engaging and memorable.

“The recent Kids Day at Healthy Orange Farmers Market was a huge success again this year,” said Master Gardener volunteers as well as coordinators of the Newburgh Farmers Market, Jackie Ramos and Chris Crimmins Mindicino. “The kids had wonderful times learning about plants, pollinators and insects through fun, hands-on activities such as bugs in goo and insect tattoos.”

A picture opportunity with Santa Claus was also a part of the multifaceted venue. Even on a hot and humid day, Mr. Claus was full of jolliness, perfectly capturing his appearance and personality, a beloved role Edward Weyer has been filling in a wide variety of events since 1979. Whether it was a young, excited child yearning to make Santa proud or an adult allured by his authentic charisma, an ongoing crowd could be seen eager to get a snapshot alongside him.

“Today is really special because it is a kid’s day,” explained Weyer, as two more children patiently waited chatting with him. “I’m here on vacation, checking up on all the kids and listening to what they want; one girl asked for a bat and a ball and her brother wanted a reindeer.”
Food was also part of the day, as Beacon’s 845 Halal provided a delicious, complimentary chicken and rice lunch; while free-of-charge ice treats were handed out to children. Samples of a healthy, creamy chia seed pudding further drew a large crowd. Additionally, a variety of high interest items were raffled off, warmly embraced by their winners.

Regardless of the activity, the common threads of community support, health prioritization, and accessibility were at the forefront. It’s a mission the Healthy Orange Farmer’s Market is committed to fulfilling as it heads into the fall season when in September a CPR demonstration is planned, a Men’s Prostate Health Screening Day comes to town on the 22nd and in October a free Breast Cancer Screening Day by Cornerstone Family Health Center is slated.

Find the Healthy Orange Farmers Market page on Facebook for more specific and exciting details.