Schenectady, N.Y., May 8, 2006 — The Schenectady Farmers Market will open its downtown location adjacent to Schenectady City Hall on May 18.   The Downtown Market will operate from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. every Thursday through October 26.  Plenty of free parking is available in the Franklin Street and Clinton Street parking lots located one block west and south of the Market. Two-hour free parking is provided.

Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature’s Committee on Economic Development said, “The Farmers Market features the best in local produce and products. In the past two years, as downtown’s renaissance continues, the number of growers and craftsman participating in the market has increased from 4 to over 20.   We hope that 2006 will be the best year yet.”

The Farmers Market also operates a Central State Street location at St. Luke’s Parking Lot on State Street, home to a new CDTA Park and Ride lot. The Central State Street Market will be open every Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. starting June 20.  Plenty of free parking is available.

The Schenectady Farmers’ Market offers customers a wide variety of unique local products including organic vegetables, fruits, natural meats and eggs, herbs and plants, flowers, honey, maple syrup, soy candles and many other items all handmade by local artists and grown by area farmers.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schenectady County will be running cooking demonstrations at the Downtown Market starting June 29.  The demonstrations will take place every Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until noon.

Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Checks & Food Stamp (EBT) benefits are accepted at both locations.