Friday we went to one of my favorite Mohawk Valley things, the Ilion Farmers’ Market at Clapsaddle Farm on Otsego Street, Ilion. The market runs Fridays from noon to six and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The market used to run during the summer only in the field, but it last winter it went to year round in the barn. You have to be a little careful walking, because the floor is not the smoothest, but it’s worth it. It is a fun, historic setting. I overheard Jim Parker tell somebody how old the barn is, but I stupidly did not write the year down. I think somewhere in the late 1800s.
Jim Parker, of course, is the local artist who paints historical scenes of the area and who owns Clapsaddle Farm. I have a t-shirt of one of his prints of Ilion, which I purchased at a craft fair a couple of years ago, but it was dirty so I couldn’t wear it yesterday. We also have on our wall a print of a winter scene we bought a few months ago, the first time we checked out the farmers’ market in the barn.
Friday we arrived early. They were still waiting on some baked goods, which they encouraged us to stick around for but which I knew I must resist. I scanned the shelf of jars looking for some hot garlic pickles I had previously purchased but had consumed the last of. Alas, they were not available, and I could not quite make up my mind between sweet bread and butter chips and sour dill.
We recognized one of the vendors from the Mohawk Farmer’s Market, Rosemary Fohs of Pillow Creations Plus.
“I think I bought an apron from you,” I said. She remembered me, and showed me some of her other wares. I especially admired some canvas totes. I think they would make great gifts, ideally suited for Steven’s notion of “put a present in a present.”
Rosemary also told us she intended to participate in the Ilion Village Wide Garage Sales July 16. She and her husband will be switching off between the farmers’ market and their house. Having missed the village wide sales in both Herkimer and Mohawk, I have some hopes of finagling my schedule to make Ilion’s.
We also looked at some lovely wooden furniture, and browsed through some Jim Parker prints. He has some on note cards and coffee mugs. I definitely will buy a Jim Parker coffee mug as soon as I make up my mind which one I want.
I conclude by saying the Ilion Farmers’ Market is well worth a stop, for the setting, for the goods, and for the fun people you’ll meet.
Mohawk Valley Girl 