OWEGO, N.Y. - Every Thursday evening in Owego, local farmers and food producers set up booths on the deck of the Gateway Park overlooking the Susquehanna River in the historic shopping district in Owego, N.Y. They sell produce, eggs, homemade bread, meat and cheese, not only to customers strolling through the market, but to the local chefs who set up outdoors alongside them and use the farmer's seasonal offerings and their culinary creativity to create fresh, flavorful "street food." This Farm-to-Table model celebrates the area's diverse agricultural roots, as seen in the quality and variety of the markets offerings, and the innovation of talented local chefs.
Farm to Fork is also a community event where neighbors meet to share a meal and watch live, local musicians play to the backdrop of the serene Susquehanna River. Visitors to the area will get a taste of what Tioga County has to offer in food, the arts and music, and can enjoy shopping and browsing the stores, antique shops and galleries of the Village of Owego. This family friendly event also has activities for kids, such as hula-hoops and sidewalk chalk, and is an opportunity to have youngsters taste and learn about locally grown foods. These evenings are unique, fun and an educational event for the community that showcases local entrepreneurs working together.
A few days before the weekly Thursday evening event, the market uses Facebook to let the participating chefs and potential customers know what will be at the upcoming market.
Vendors are still welcome to apply. Applications and market rules are available online at owegolovesshoppers.com, and for pick-up at Riverow Bookshop, 187 Front Street, Owego, and at Cornell Cooperative Extension 56 Main Street, Owego.
