Open every Saturday from May through October, the Syosset Farmer’s Market is the perfect local stop for fruits, vegetables, baked goods and homemade items. The market launched this year and is open from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 68 Berry Hill Rd in Syosset.
Excelina Denlea, the owner and manager of the market, is a vendor herself, and her experience selling at other farmer’s markets inspired her to start her own.
Denlea drew on her experience at other markets to create one that she believes will bring the community together.
“I want to make a market that everyone is happy to be in,” Denlea said. “Customers and vendors alike.”
When attending markets around Long Island, Denlea noticed that many of her customers were Syosset residents who wanted for a more local farmer’s market. As a Long Island resident herself, Denlea was excited to bring a market to the area. This is the first year that the market is open, and Denlea is excited to bring the market to residents.
“[I wanted to] fill the needs of Syosset, the vendors and the customers,” she said.
At the market, Denlea aims to provide a sense of hospitality and community. The market is held in the outdoor space of the American Legion, and on Saturdays, the backyard is filled with picnic tables, live music and food trucks for market-goers to enjoy.
There is something for everyone at the market, from fresh produce to prepared food to handmade items. About 30 vendors attend the market each week, and all of them are locally owned businesses.
Some fan-favorite vendors are Plainview’s Side Hustle Artisanal Bread Company and Hicksville’s Pam’s Jamz. Highlighting these local businesses is another way that the market aims to bring the community together.
Long Island award-winning businesses attend as well, such as Angie’s Empanadas and Van’s Country Style Potato Salad, among others.
At the market, customers can access products they can not find at a typical grocery store. For example, vendor MicroGreen Garden sells a fresh assortment of microgreens, and many produce vendors hand-pick their fruits and vegetables to ensure quality ingredients.
The market has drawn customers from the entire Long Island community.
“People come from Nassau and Suffolk County,” Denlea said.
In the weeks that the market has been opened, the market’s audience has grown. The market has expanded its hours to accommodate the growing turnout. The market will continue to be open from 9 a.m. through 1:30 p.m. for the rest of the season.
The market owners have received emails throughout the season from dedicated customers requesting new vendors and additions, and management is happy to improve in whatever ways they can.
“That is what we wanted since the beginning,” Denlea said. “To have that atmosphere where everyone that comes feels welcome.”
The market hosts different vendors each weekend, so customers are encouraged to look on their social media pages for updates each week. For more information on the market, visit @syossetfarmersmarket on Instagram.
