Published: June 27, 2008 10:19 pm      

KENMORE: Farm market sees changes

KENMORE — After months of hibernation, the Kenmore Farmer’s Market is back in business with a few new features.

The market has been running for seven years, initially formed by then-Trustee Patrick Mang. But since Mang has taken over the village’s mayoral office, the majority of the responsibilities for running it now fall to Volunteer Coordinator Katie Burd.

Tom O’Connor has been selling annuals, perennials and hanging baskets that his family grows in their greenhouses in Youngstown since the market’s inception, but this year has seen the price he pays to grow them rise dramatically.

“My costs went up so much this past winter it’s unbelievable,” O’Connor said. “We heat with oil in the greenhouses, so that hit us. Then everything we grow in is made of plastic, which comes from petroleum too.”

But even though they’re spending more to produce their plants, the business is also selling more, especially when it comes to vegetable plants like tomatoes and peppers. O’Connor attributes that rise to the cost of food at grocery stores, forcing consumers to start their own vegetable gardens rather than pay the steep prices.

This year the market has the added feature of displays from local businesses, thanks to Burd. The idea to introduce extra vendors came about when Burd found it tough to replace a farmer who passed away unexpectedly during the winter.

“With so many markets around in places like Williamsville and Clarence, we realized that farmers were hard to come by,” Burd said.

To round out the space, she hit the street, visiting small businesses with the goal of recruiting people to fill the Village Green and get word of mouth started about their shops. Some refused the offer, but plenty more jumped on board.

Now, the Saturday morning event features coffee and chocolate from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, treats from Sweet Beginnings Bakery, burgers from GoVeggies.com, pasta from Pasta Temptations and wine from Chateau Buffalo Wine.

“The goal was to work off of our local talent and resources to make our market different,” Burd said. “That increases foot traffic and also promotes local businesses for people who may have driven by but never gone into the shops on Delaware Avenue.”

The shift is aimed at creating a sense of community and turning the market into more than a place to shop for produce. But the market’s two farmers can still fill that need, if that’s what you’re looking for, Burd said.

“I’m happy to report that the response has been wonderful,” Burd said. “Now we have a fun Saturday event every week with good foot traffic.”

O’Connor said he’s seen a marked improvement in the market, which he attributes to Burd taking such an active interest.

“I think it will help the area because most of those businesses are located right down the street for the market,” O’Connor said.

Contact reporter Daniel Pyeat 693-1000, ext. 158.