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Author: Jodie Fitz

Building Better ‘Kabab, Kebab, Kabob’ at the Market      

Written by Jodie Fitz on . Posted in Food.

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echnically Kabab and kebab are just different spellings of the same word, traditionally referring to grilled or roasted meat dishes, often served on skewers. The term originates from the Middle East and has various spellings depending on the language and region. Kabob is a more common spelling in North America, but in the end…they all lead to a delicious bite.

The market is perfectly poised to fill your plate with delicious, fresh, locally produced kabob ingredients for every course.  Yes, that’s right.  The idea of ‘Kabab, Kebab, Kabob’s’ only serving for the main dish is long gone and has been joined with a whole host of skewed ideas.  Appetizers & desserts on a stick are just as fun to make and serve for summer entertaining on many levels.

This week take a peek at a few different recipes and then consider shopping the market to fill you love for food on a stick with all things local; the market has it all…the ideas are endless.

July Market News:

* Free Kids Club every Wednesday at High Rock Park with different themes, stay tuned at the website and in the market’s social media (Facebook & instagram)

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open: Mondays | 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Shenendehowa Methodist, Route 146 Clifton Park. Wednesdays | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., Saturdays | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at High Rock Park, Downtown Saratoga Springs.

Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.  And, don’t forget to join the market’s FREE weekly newsletter.

The 2025 Berry Bash at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market  

Written by Jodie Fitz on . Posted in Food.

 

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he Saratoga Farmers’ market is partnering with Farm Credit East and Prestwick Chase at Saratoga to bring the 2nd Annual, 2025 Berry Bash to the Saratoga Farmers’ Market. 

WHAT is the Berry Bash? The Berry Bash is a fun way to celebrate the short-lived, fresh berry season of the northeast.  The market started this last year with a small event and it’s growing into a much bigger event for the community; it’s free fun for everyone.

WHEN:  The 2025 Berry Bash takes place, rain or shine, on Saturday, July 12th from 9am to 1pm at High Rock Park.

FUN & DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES: While the market hosts over 70 fabulous vendors weekly, the Berry Bash brings different and exciting activities to the market for the public to enjoy that are not part of the weekly market experience.

* C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Space is bringing their team to the market for an interactive, community chalking experience.  

*Bubble experience for families

*Educational workshops (all complete with Q & A opportunities) including:

9AM Dying Fabrics with Berries with Jai (9 Pine Designs)

10AM Growing and caring for hanging strawberry plants with Charles Holub (Scotch Ridge Berry Farm)

11AM Jamming & Canning Demonstration with Gianna from Cornell Cooperative Extension

12 Noon Gluten Free Cooking with Berries conducted by Katie Bakes GF

* Guest artisans 

*Music by Hudson River Ceili and Jason White

* Fun market activities and more…

Questions: If you have questions or want to participate as an artist, please email the market at manager@saratogafarmersmarket.org

Come on out to the market weekly to support your local community of farmers, growers & local producers.  Mark your calendar for the 2025 Berry Bash and stay tuned for upcoming festivals & events by following the market’s social media and joining their bi-weekly newsletter.

July Market News:

*Berry Bash coming to the Saturday Market on Saturday, July 12th at High Rock Park

*Free Kids Club every Wednesday at High Rock Park with different themes, stay tuned at the website and in the market’s social media (Facebook & Instagram)

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open: Mondays | 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Shenendehowa Methodist, Route 146 Clifton Park
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Saturdays | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at High Rock Park, Downtown Saratoga Springs.

Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.  And, don’t forget to join the market’s FREE weekly newsletter.

Free Kids Club at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market 

Written by Jodie Fitz on . Posted in Food.

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he Saratoga Farmers’ Market is getting ready to launch their annual FREE Kids Club and there’s a launch party on July 2nd!

What is the Kids Club?  Here is all of the information you need to know to participate in a fun, educational, local program…

WHEN: The Kids Club takes place weekly starting Wednesday, July 2nd at High Rock Park.  

The market is open from 3pm to 6pm and the kids club activities are open from 3pm to 5pm, leaving an hour for the kids to shop with their earned coins.

WHAT Happens: There are fun and educational activities organized a the market weekly.  Kids pick up a passport at the Market Info Booth (green shed with porch).  They visit the various activities, receive a stamp at each of the tables and can earn up to $4 in produce coins at each market.  

Produce Coins: The children who participate in the Kids Club Weekly receive coins thanks to sponsorship from The Christopher Daily Foundation and Stewart’s Shops.  Children can shop the market to purchase items from produce vendors. 

Do I have to Sign Up for the Entire Summer?  No, you can come to as many Kids Clubs as you’d like.  Simply visit the market on any Wednesday to get your free passport, but you are certainly welcome to attend every week if you’d like.

How long does the Kids Club Run? The kids club starts July 2nd with a launch party, takes place weekly and ends with a wrap-up on Wednesday, September 3rd.

How Can I Learn More? To stay in the know about the Kids Club’s weekly schedule, visit the markets’ website and register for their weekly newsletter.  Subscribe to their social media and check the events calendar at the site: SaratogaFarmersMarket.org

What’s Happening at the Launch Party? On Wednesday, July 2nd join the market for tunes and music with Jack River Z, Meet local author Jodie Fitz & local illustrator Isabella Lotano with the launch, story time and activities with Fidget Screams for Ice Cream, Enjoy a mom market meet up with Mama Mayhem 518 and enjoy free ice cream (while supplies last).

Fidget Screams for Ice Cream takes children on a culinary tour of their community with farm/garden to table discussions that helps educate children about their food sources through the art of storytelling.

Questions?
Email manager@saratogafarmersmarket.org

July Market News:

* Berry Bash coming to the Saturday Market on Saturday, July 12th at High Rock Park

* Free Kids Club every Wednesday at High Rock Park

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open: Mondays | 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Shenendehowa Methodist, Route 146 Clifton Park; Wednesdays | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. and
Saturdays | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at High Rock Park, Downtown Saratoga Springs.

Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket. And, don’t forget to join the market’s FREE weekly newsletter.

Strawberry Season at the Market    

Written by Jodie Fitz on . Posted in Food.


photos provided

Strawberry Season has arrived at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market and as the berries burst, so do the colorful displays you will find throughout the market.

You can find fresh, locally grown strawberries throughout all of the markets hosted by the Saratoga Farmers’ Market and all of those beautiful berries are grown at local farms; they are always a little sweeter and a bit more delicious when they come from the area (wink).

Not only is the market host to fresh berries, they are host to a wide variety of products made from local berries.  In fact, many vendors collaborate and purchase from each other when the create and/or bake their goods to bring to market.  You can find ‘strawberry packed’ items like jams, baked goods, yogurts, smoothies and bowls to enjoy.

In addition to all of the good, fresh eats, you can actually pick up your own strawberry plants to grow right at home from the market, including strawberry baskets which makes for a great summer project!

Did you ever wonder how Strawberries got their name?

According to research, they most likely were named from the practice of mulching the plants with straw to protect the fruits.  It certainly sounds like it makes sense!

Strawberries are not just beautiful and Sweet!

Strawberries are a great source of Vitamin C, high in fiber and antioxidant packed.

Prepping and Storing Tips: You can lengthen the life of your strawberries by;

* Removing the greens

* Washing the strawberries in a vinegar and/or baking soda bath

* Drying the berries before storing them

* Storing the Berries in an airtight container (or a mason jar)

Enjoy the local strawberry season and make the Saratoga Farmers’ Market your first stop to celebrate!

Market News:  Kids Club starts Wednesday, July 2nd at the Market and runs 3pm to 5pm.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open:
Mondays | 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Shenendehowa Methodist, Route 146 Clifton Park
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturdays | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at High Rock Park, Downtown Saratoga Springs

Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.  And, don’t forget to join the market’s FREE weekly newsletter.

Father’s Day at the Farmers’ Market

Written by Jodie Fitz on . Posted in Food.


Thymeless Homestead

Dads take the spotlight as we prepare for Father’s Day on Sunday, June 15. At the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect gift to make them feel loved and appreciated. If you need inspiration, we’re highlighting some of our Father’s Day favorites here. Gifts for the Green Thumb

The farmers’ market is brimming with herb plants, annual and perennial flowering plants, and container gardens that make wonderful gifts for gardening dads. Visit Burger’s Market Garden, Gomez Veggie Ville, Leaning Birch Farm, Scotch Ridge Berry & Flower Farm, and Mandy’s Nursery for a variety of giftable plants. And, it’s never too late to surprise Dad with knife and tool sharpening from Mister Edge at the market on Wednesdays. For work-roughened hands, Thymeless Homestead offers farm-crafted creams and lotions.

Finer Things for Fathers

Perhaps exfoliating soaps from Saratoga Suds ‘n’ Stuff or a therapeutic massage from Radiant Living Healing Arts would be what Dad would appreciate. Or a handmade fleece throw blanket from Kokinda Farm. For fathers with a sweet tooth, what about a box of European-style pastries from Bakery Suzanne, Parchment Baking Co., and Isa Nom Cakes? Katie Bakes offers a variety of gluten-free baked goods. Sweet Treat by Jennifer has cookies and cinnamon rolls. Unique and delicious artisan cheeses are available at Nettle Meadow and Argyle Cheese Farmer. For local libations, New Scotland, Yankee, Albany, and Springbrook Hollow distilleries offer finely crafted spirits. Saratoga Apple provides its hard cider, and Bull & Bee Meadery boasts award-winning mead. Tyromance Fine Snacks has scrumptious nuts and crackers for snacking.

Rams Valley

Burger’s Market Garden

Goods for Grilling

First, the grillables: steaks, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, lamb, mushrooms, vegetables – you name it, local farmers produce it. For spices and seasonings, visit Muddy Trails Jerky, offering a wide selection of rubs and marinades. Rams Valley has BBQ sauce, seasoned olive oil, and a variety of sauces ranging from mild to extreme. Make a marinade from maple from Wild Hogs Maple Farm or honey from Ballston Lake Apiaries. 

Among all the products to show Dad your love, perhaps plan a trip to the farmers’ market together. Enjoy the morning or afternoon, sharing the farmers’ market experience: live music, breakfast or lunch in the park, and local festivities. And consider a gift certificate from the farmers’ market, or a logo coffee mug or shirt from the Saratoga Farmers’ Market store.

Market News: Coffee Tumblers are on sale this week $23 + tax, $1 coupon for coffee options at the market is included as part of the purchase.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open:
Mondays | 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
-Shenendehowa Methodist, Route 146 Clifton Park.
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturdays | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
-High Rock Park, Downtown Saratoga Springs

Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.  And, don’t forget to join the market’s FREE weekly newsletter.

Building the Perfect Burger

Written by Jodie Fitz on . Posted in Food.

There’s a whole lot of variables that goes into the building process of a well stacked burger; after all, we all have different palettes.

Wherever your burger building palette is leading you in creating your ‘perfect stack’, shopping the Saratoga Farmers’ Market will definitely help you find the ‘best of the best’ in local picks to enjoy serving that perfect burger bite at your next gathering, or for your own dinner delight.

Start with the base: Whether your’e shopping for a gluten free, sour dough or more traditional base the market has a combination of rolls/buns and breads to select from.  (Katie Bakes Gluten Free, Night Work Bread and Bakery Suzanne and Holly and Vine Farm)

Who has the beef?  Some people love a traditional beef burger, while others may enjoy lamb, chicken, turkey or adding pork to the mix.  Whatever your favorite combo might be, the market has locally grown and organic options. (Grazin’ Acres Farm, Hepatica Farm, Holly & Vine, Jireh Organic & Livestock, Longlesson Farm, May-k-Mark and Thymeless Homestead)

Seasoning is King! In addition to fresh herbs, garlic, scallions, onions, shallots, that can be found at the market for seasoning, you can also find sauces sauces from Rams Valley and spice blends from Muddy Trail Jerky Co.

Top it Off!  The toppings are always the best and the market has plenty of options;

Cheese (Argyle Cheese Farmer & Nettle Meadow), Pickles (Puckers Gourmet), Mushrooms (The Mushroom Shop), Bacon, Peanut Butter (Saratoga Peanut Butter), eggs (Hepatica, Holly & Vine Farm, Jireh Organic & Livestock, Kokinda Farm) and of course don’t forget the veggies!

Lettuce(s), sprouts, micro-greens, tomatoes, onions, peppers and more can be found at Burger Farm, Giffords Farm, Gomez Veggie Ville, Kokinda Farm, Leaning Birch, Lovin’ Mama Farm, Owl Wood Farm, Paper Dragons Farm, Promised Land Garden Farm, and Shushan Valley Hyrdo Farm.

To discover what vendors are at each market visit saratogafarmersmarket.org for more information and to view the vendor lists.

Market News:

* Coffee Tumblers are ON SALE: Saturday, June 7th $23 with a $1 coupon good at the market

* Kids table & family activity to celebrate Belmont 

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open: Wednesdays | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturdays | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at High Rock Park, Downtown Saratoga Springs. The Satellite Market at Clifton Park is open: Mondays | 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Shenendehowa Methodist Church, Clifton Park.

Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.  And, don’t forget to join the market’s FREE weekly newsletter.

Hamburger cartoon groovy comic character, doodle design, logo comic style. Decoration for greeting cards, posters, prints and stickers.

National Asparagus Day Meets Memorial Day   

Written by Jodie Fitz on . Posted in Food, Uncategorized.


Photos provided

There’s a national day for just about everything now (wink).  And, who are we to argue when it equates to delicious, seasonal bites?

Saturday, May 24th happens to be National Asparagus Day and this year it is paired with the unofficial start of summer; Memorial Day.  Together, these two holidays have the potential to collide for a whole lot of flavorful results and you can add a local flare to all of your holiday plans by visiting the Saratoga Farmers’ Market!

Asparagus is not an easy grow, and it takes several years before you gain an edible harvest.  It takes time and care to create this scrumptious and nutrient packed vegetable which makes the seasonal grab, the best.  It’s currently making its debut at the market, so now is the time to grab some locally harvested asparagus for the dinner plate and/or picnic table.

Asparagus is not only high in fiber, but it has many nutritional elements like magnesium, folate, selenium, vitamin K, along with other greats; some consider it part of the ‘super food’ community.

Can You eat Asparagus Raw? Yes, in fact, you can shave it and add it to salads.

Best ways to cook asparagus:

*Steam: Place the asparagus in a steam basked with the asparagus upright and steam over boiling water for approximately 5 minutes.

*Boil:  Place the asparagus flat in boiling water and cook until tender, plunge them with cold water to stop the cooking process once tender.

*Roast: Toss the asparagus with a light coating of olive oil, season, lay the stalks flat on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and roast for 10-12 minutes at 425 degrees.

*Grill: Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate and/or basket being used to cook the asparagus.  Add the asparagus as flat as possible, turning them frequently.  They should be fully cooked after two minutes on each side.

*Sautéed: Melt a couple of tablespoons of butter in a skillet, add the asparagus spears and some fresh garlic (optional); cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until asparagus is tender-crisp, about 5 to 10 minutes.

Note: Cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the thickness of asparagus; thinner stalks may take less, while thicker may take longer.

Before you use asparagus make sure to prepare it by trimming the woody end.  You can cut the end with a knife, or, snap the end of the stalk.  Where it naturally snaps, is the beginning of the woody part of the asparagus.  

Where to find Asparagus at the Market?  Currently you can check Gomez Veggie Ville and/or Saratoga Apple for fresh, local asparagus.

Memorial Day: Don’t forget to check last week’s article about meats on the grill for your unofficial, official start of the summer picnic season at SaratogaFarmersMarket.org. 

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open: Wednesdays | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturdays | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at High Rock Park, Downtown Saratoga Springs.

Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.  And, don’t forget to join the market’s FREE weekly newsletter.

Fire Up the Flavor: Local Meats for Grilling Season at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market

Written by Jodie Fitz on . Posted in Food.

The grills are coming out, getting cleaned up, and firing up for a brand-new season of flavor—and the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is the perfect place to stock up for all your summer cookouts.

With seven local meat vendors, the market offers a wide variety of locally raised options. Each vendor takes pride in the care, quality, and sustainability behind their products—so you can feel good about what you’re putting on the grill.

As you shop, take a moment to chat with the farmers. You might be surprised by what they love to grill! Whether it’s a perfectly seasoned steak, a simple burger with farm-fresh toppings, or a smoky sausage with grilled veggies, they’re full of tips on prep, marinades, and cooking methods.

Grazin’ Acres: Sells beef, chicken, lamb, bacon, sausage, turkey, veal, pork and pheasant.

Hepatica Farm: Sells Poultry chicken, turkey and sausage.

Holly & Fine Farm: Sells chicken, Duck and Turkey. “Our beer can chicken recipe is really popular – it uses a whole chicken that is moist and flavorful with a crispy skin.  Find the recipe on our website at hollyandvinefarm.com”

Jireh Organic Farm and Livestock of NY: Sells beef, chicken and pork.

Long Lesson Farm: Sells Beef, chicken and pork.

May-k-Mark:  Sells Rose veal.  “We have so many great grilling options it is hard to choose just one as a favorite.  The one that brings back the most memories would be sirloin steak marinated in Cubby’s barbecue sauce (a local business where I grew up), potatoes and onions thin sliced with plenty of butter in a foil packet on the grill with seasonal veggies.”

Thymeless Homestead: Sells Chicken and Lamb. “We love our ground lamb made into our Greek Inspired lamburgers with feta cheese; check these burgers in this week’s recipe share.”  

In addition to our meat vendors there are vendors who specialize in adding to the many flavors that come from the grill;

Muddy Trail Jerky Co: “We’ve got plenty for the grill!  Chicken certainly gets Sweet & Smokey rub or or Flippin’ the Bird Seasoning. Burgers, perfect with our Mesquite BBQ Rub or our traditional Burger Seasoning. Steaks! Try our Badass Rub or Steak Rub. Grill Seasonings are 3/$20.00”

Rams Valley: New to the market, they have a wide variety of sauces perfect for the grill,, including BBQ sauce to try and experiment with.  They are grilling at the market live every week so you can taste test before purchase..

So, this season, explore your local food sources, support your community farmers and producers, and discover new favorites to throw on the grill.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open: Wednesdays | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Saturdays | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at High Rock Park, Downtown Saratoga Springs.

Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.  And, don’t forget to join the market’s FREE weekly newsletter.

Mother’s Day at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market 

Written by Jodie Fitz on . Posted in Food.


Photos by Pattie Garrett.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is the perfect place to visit for Mother’s Day weekend.  It’s a shopping experience and the perfect place to spend some time with the loved ones in your life.  On Saturday’s you can grab breakfast, enjoy music and leisurely shop while sipping a delicious, locally roasted cup of coffee.

As you walk the Saturday market, there is a wide variety of locally grown flowers and plants to discover and explore; after all flowers and plants are often a traditional Mother’s Day ‘go-to’ on the gift list and gifting local makes it a ‘win-win’ that’s a little extra special.  Flowers and plants can be found at these vendors on Saturdays;

* Balet’s Flower
* Burgers Market Garden Farm
* Canopy Nursery (aka Mandy’s Nursery)
* Halfmoon Harvest
* Lovin’ Mama Farm
* Old Tavern Farms
* Scotch Ridge Berry & Tree Farm

The vendors that grow flowers are stocked with beautiful floral options and plants to select from.  If the loved ones in your life are gardeners, the market has a variety of vendors with garden plants to choose from as well.  

While shopping the market can be a great part of your weekend festivities and is a gift all within itself, the market is stocked with local items for Mothers’ Day brunch, items to create a gift basket and/or decorative gifts, hand-crafted items and jewelry that make fantastic options as well.

Not certain what to gift? The Saratoga Farmers’ Market has gift certificates available for purchase along with a brand new line of market merch to accompany a gift certificate that includes a variety of t-shirt options, bags and coffee tumblers.  A gift certificate is always a great way to spread the love a little further.

Get a jump start on shopping by visiting the Wednesday Market also filled with fresh, local finds including plants, gift items and more.  The vendors are different and unique, which makes the Saratoga Farmers’ Market special and worthwhile both on Wednesdays and Saturdays.  When you stop by to shop, grab dinner on your way home and make it a ‘take a break Wednesday’ because everyone needs a kitchen break!

To discover what vendors are at each market visit saratogafarmersmarket.org for more information and to view the vendor lists.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open: Wednesdays | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Saturdays | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at High Rock Park, Downtown Saratoga Springs.

Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.  And, don’t forget to join the market’s FREE weekly newsletter.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market Celebrates 47 Years Strong   

Written by Jodie Fitz on . Posted in Food.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is proud to kick off its 47th Outdoor Season in Saratoga Springs at High Rock Park on Saturday, May 3rd, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  From fresh produce and plants to artisan goods and delicious treats — it’s all here, and it’s all local. Come experience why the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is truly “The Place to Be!”

What’s in store to celebrate 47 incredible years?

– Live Music Every Week
– 74 Vendors Every Saturday | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
– 25 Vendors Every Wednesday | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
– BRAND NEW Merchandise line (new tote, new cooler bag, new long-sleeve and short-sleeve options, coffee mugs and more)
– Free Kids Club Wednesdays starting July 2nd through September 3rd
– Exciting Festivals & Seasonal Events:

• July 12 – The Berry Bash

• August 23 – Flower Festival

• September 27 – Festival of Lanterns &
   Pumpkin Festival

• October 25 – Howling Halloween

Don’t miss the official ribbon cutting on Saturday, May 3rd at 8:45 a.m. at the South Pavilion — come early and help us celebrate!

To mark this exciting milestone, the Market is also launching a brand new website on May 1st, complete with a calendar of events and the latest market news. Visit saratogafarmersmarket.org to explore and sign up for the weekly newsletter.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open: Wednesdays | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturdays | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at High Rock Park, Downtown Saratoga Springs. Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.  And, don’t forget to join the market’s FREE weekly newsletter.