TRR photo by Cassie Valentin Sherry Shaver Bellows of the Beaverkill Trout Hatchery sells fresh trout on ice at the Callicoon farmers market. (Click for larger image)

By MARY GREENE

CALLICOON - Last Sunday marked the last day farmers and vendors sold their wares in the Callicoon field adjacent to Pecks. All agreed the venture was a success.

"I love it," said customer Dorothy Hartz, who visited the Callicoon market every Sunday but one. "It's a classy little affair. The produce is really bright and shiny and healthy and you get to meet people you don't usually run into."

Getting out and circulating was also a plus for Sherry Shaver Bellows of the Beaverkill Trout Hatchery, who was at the market Sunday selling fresh trout. The hatchery is the largest privately-owned hatchery in the state. It was founded in 1962 by Bellows' great grandfather. Coming to the market is, for her, "more of a hobby. Its great publicity for the hatchery, and it's enjoyable to get out and talk to people."

In addition to stalls featuring in-season produce from several area farms, the market showcased spoons whittled from cherry and oak, homemade jams and jellies, maple syrup products and homemade scented soaps. "I come here to visit the soap lady," said Narrowsburg resident Linda Pomes. She also said it was nice to "buy fresh things." If the market returns next summer, will she be back? "Definitely," she replied.

Alice and Neil Fitzgerald of River Brook Organic Farm in Cochecton, who attend the other area markets, said the Callicoon market was their favorite site. Why? "Because it's tucked between the town and the river," said Neil. "Also, it's on grass, which is cooler, and doesn't tire you out the way blacktop does. Of course, it's a little tough when it's raining," he added with a chuckle.

Has the community been supportive of the market? "The people have been supportive, and the experience has been wonderful," said the Fitzgeralds. "People even came in a downpour."

Philip Yacuk, Market Manager of Cornell Cooperative Extension, agrees that the Callicoon market has been a good thing. "It's been a successful eight weeks," he said. "It's truly remarkable to see what the markets have done for the communities," he said, adding that the farmer's market in Ellenville has "revived shopping downtown."

"This summer," said Yacuk, "we tested the waters. Now we know what to refine. It's like a jig saw puzzle. People attracted to one vendor will try something else. Word gets out, and people start coming."

There are some, he said, who "follow the markets," traveling to the different locations over the weekend. Those folks do not have to suffer withdrawal just yet. In addition to the markets in Liberty and Ellenville, many of the vendors attending Callicoon will be present at the Bethel market, located on the Woodstock/ Day in the Garden site. For more information call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County at 845/292-6180.

Sullivan County Area Farmers Market hours:

Liberty - 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Fridays through October 6

Ellenville - 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturdays through October 7

Bethel - 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m. Sundays through October 8