Like most volunteer organizations, Fry noted that Imagine Forestville is spread thin, as the number of great ideas surpasses time, resources and volunteer availability. “I figure I’d talk to some farmers, and they’d shoot it down,” Fry said. “We’re such a small community, and would it be worth it for the farmers?” She recently approached the farmers at the Fredonia Farmers Market with her idea, and it was immediately met with enthusiasm by all.

Fry then approached the board of the Fredonia Farmers Market about setting up a satellite market in Forestville. “They’ve got a satellite market in Cassadaga,” Fry said. “I fully expected a ‘no,’ but they thought it was a great opportunity!” Because the board was already well-versed in the set-up process, rules and insurance for a farmers market, the next step was just finding a location.

Forestville has no park or municipal center downtown, and to Fry’s surprise, five property owners offered up their space. Each site was evaluated for size, parking and centrality to stores and other services. “There’s this big, beautiful tree-shaded parking lot of the Forestville Baptist Church, so I called a member of the church, and she thought it was a great idea,” Fry said.

Once the pastor approved, Fry approached the owners of Cave’s Deli as she was concerned about interfering with their business. Fry couldn’t believe their response. “They said, ‘We’d love to have a farmers market! We’d get our produce there to make things at the store.’ I was looking for someone to throw water on the idea, but no one ever did.”

Submitted Photo Last week's produce selection included blackberries, cauliflower, kale, raspberries, strawberries, Swiss chard, yellow squash, zucchini and more.

On July 2, the market opened with minimal advertising on Facebook and around town. The market was well attended and participating farmers had a great day. “This week, it was even better,” said Fry of July 9. “Everybody had masks on, and we were all shopping in the community buying local produce from local farmers, sharing recipes, saying hi. It was wonderful.”

Fry pointed out that the market is the first safe community gathering since the outbreak of COVID-19 and that it meets many needs, including social, practical and nutritional. “If you’re shopping on Instacart, you don’t know where the produce is coming from or how old it is,” she said. “You can’t choose your own tomatoes. You’re at the mercy of someone else’s eyes. Knowing how difficult it is to shop these days if you don’t want to be inside the store, right next to other people, an outdoor farmers market is a great alternative!”

Right now, there are three participating farmers, including Tom Degolier’s maple products, Richard Feinen Farms of Sheridan and Roberto Fred of Fredonia. Fry remarked on the amount and variety of produce this week, which included blackberries, cauliflower, kale, raspberries, strawberries, Swiss chard, yellow squash, zucchini and even a few early tomatoes. Her hope is that the market continues to grow. Those interested in setting up or would like more information can contact Fry at 934-8534.

The Forestville Farmers Market is open every Thursday in the Forestville Baptist Church parking lot on Park Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In Fry’s words, it’s “good people, good food and amazing farmers for four hours. The real question is, why didn’t we think of this sooner?”

Submitted Photo One couple was pleased to purchase local maple syrup from Tom Degolier's maple product stand, a mainstay at the Fredonia Farmers Market and now part of the Forestville Farmers Market.