The end of summer and transition to fall brings with it many fun farm and food events, including fairs, classes, farm tours and fine food affairs. 

August is a plentiful time at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, with summer produce at its peak: seasonal crops such as corn, tomatoes, beans, peppers, melons, stone fruit (peaches, plums, etc.) add their colors to a rainbow of other fresh items, and it’s easy to pick up complementary foods and beverages: wine and cheese, fresh meat or fish for the grill, eggs and bacon for a full country breakfast,  and baked goods to round out any meal. 

With summer in full swing, it’s the season for county fairs, farmers’ markets, and food preservation classes. Take advantage of the great resources in this area and learn more about local agriculture and better nutrition for you and your family. 

Summer is ripe with opportunities to “play with your food,” whether in the fields of local farms or at roadside stands and farmers’ markets. 

There are several terrific food and farm events happening in and around Saratoga this month, including hands-on classes, new farmers’ markets, food demos, and farm tours. All of them will connect you with some of the great farm and food resources of this area.

With the outdoor farmers’ market season now underway, here are eight good reasons to put a market visit on your  shopping schedule. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Saratoga Farmers’ Market re-opens its outdoor market at High Rock Park this week, featuring 50 farms and vendors with a wide array of food, plants, and crafts produced in the region. The market, which was voted New York State’s “Favorite Farmers’ Market” in both 2011 and 2012, is now marking its 35th anniversary year. Market hours beginning May 1 through the end of October are Wednesdays 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Are you looking for new flavor accents to add variety to your spring menu dishes? Try adding fresh herbs from the Farmers’ Market, or high-quality olive oil and flavored vinegar to transform both hot and cold dishes.

If you are seeking a scenic spring drive through farm country, complete with furry animals to pat, coming up at the end of April is the 21st Annual Washington County Fiber Tour. A total of 18 farms are participating in the event this year, which takes place April 27-28 (10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days), including farms with alpacas, sheep and lambs, rabbits, goats, and llamas. 

I’ve been a customer of Saratoga Farmers’ Market for almost 15 years now, ever since I moved to town. It’s been a delightful experience getting to know the farmers and watching the market grow, while purchasing locally grown food and other products for my family. The market has been around since 1978, operating first in the parking lot along Spring Street, across from Congress Park. (Here’s the full history.)