Local, community keys to Lewiston Artisan Farmers Market's success

Lewiston Artisan Farmers Market starts summer season Saturday

By Joshua Maloni

GM/Managing Editor

The Lewiston Artisan Farmers Market is making a case to join death and taxes in the circle of certitude.

As it sets its sights on season eight in Academy Park, the weekly bazaar has been unphased by a pandemic – in fact, the marketplace remained open even as other activities shuttered – a supply chain crunch, a labor shortage, a venue dispute, construction, and concerns over tariffs.

Just how has this summer staple seemingly made itself unassailable?

“We really prioritize local,” market proprietor Rachel Jolbert said. “Local products, locally made within Western New York – as close to Niagara/Erie counties as we can.

“We are pretty selective. I do have to turn a lot of people down.

“It's curating a market. You want to get the right amount of each type of vendor.

“And I am not afraid to ask people to join us. I've done a lot of reaching out via Instagram, Facebook, email. When I find new businesses that I think would fit a niche that we don't have, I basically just reach out.

“A lot of times they're willing to come out to Lewiston. They know we have a really nice community. And even the Erie County-based businesses are looking for different clients that aren't their usual customers. And the people who've come to Lewiston, most of them are coming back from last year because they really enjoyed being out here.”

Buffalo Freeze Dry owner Alicia Archambeault said, "The Lewiston Farmers Market is a vibrant gathering that fosters a sense of community. Here, friendships are cultivated, and small businesses – driven by passionate men and women with purpose and dreams – come together each week. It's a space where we can showcase our creativity and share our enthusiasm with an authentic and generous community."

Morgan Ullery, of Hunny Pot Acres, said, “This will be my second year with the Lewiston Artisan Market. As much as I was scared to open my small business, the family I have created of other artisans coming together every Saturday supporting one another is something I look forward to every weekend. They are relationships that will last a lifetime, as well as a place for my community to enjoy the greatness of local farmers, bakers and crafters showing the beauty of what hard work and support can bring to small communities like Lewiston.”

Jessica Senek with helpers Penelope and Sarah. (File photo)

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Whereas many businesses are dependent on product, prices and people from afar, Jolbert said, “What embodies farmers markets, in this local, sustainable community that we're growing, is that you don't pay any of that extra stuff. … What really you're getting is home-grown things that don't have extra additional cost, because they're coming right direct to consumer.

“That's what farmers markets do.”

She added, “Growing local and getting local is the best thing you could do for the local economy – and for your own wallet, honestly – and you're supporting somebody that lives in your community.”

Atmosphere is something else that differentiates the Lewiston Artisan Farmers Market.

Aurora Schunk, farmer-owner of Schul Farmstead, a pesticide-free farm in Cambria, said, "I love being a produce farm vendor at the market. 2025 is my fourth season, and I always look forward to chatting with customers, sharing recipes and ways to enjoy in-season veggies and herbs.

“There is a real sense of community in Lewiston, and I'm grateful that I've been so welcomed."

Jennifer Nguyen, of The Sour Crumb, said, "I love the Lewiston Farmers Market! If you want to know what community looks and feel like, then come by to see it for yourself. This is my second year attending the summer market, and I am just beyond excited to be a part of its shared safe space for everyone!" 

The Lewiston Artisan Farmers Market begins its season Saturday and runs weekly, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Oct. 11 (except Sept. 6, when the Peach Festival takes over Academy Park).

For 2025, “We have 91 participating vendors, between full-time and part-time vendors. We have 29 full-time vendors, which is the most we've ever had – by quite a few, actually,” Jolbert said. “All of our full-time vendors have a home base location in the park, in that main area along Cayuga Street, and then we tee off into the center of the park, which we will be using much more of the park this year. And every week has between 40 and 50 vendors.”

This sign says it all.

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While death and taxes often have a negative connotation, Jolbert said the Lewiston Artisan Farmers Market is just “fun.”

“I think there's literally something for everyone,” she said. “We have organically grown vegetables. We have natural, organic-grown vegetables. We have conventional vegetables; fresh-cut flowers; fruit; everything from handmade soaps, candles, prepared foods. That's another area we grew in this year, by listening to what customers wanted. We have some more prepared foods vendors coming; so, different options for food you can eat at the market, along with options for you to take home from the market.

“We have some new vendors bringing things. Ghada Have It! is coming. They're in Town of Niagara, and they're bringing their hummus and tzatziki and pita items that you can take home.

“EZ Catering, they’re out of Wilson, and they are doing pasta salads and broccoli salads.

“So, you can get your vegetables. You can get your meat from our meat vendors, and then get your side dishes and have a real local meal – plus all the other fun stuff. You can get coffee and drinks.

“We have the new 4 Kings Distillery out of Newfane is joining us, which is a farm distillery, which means they have to use New York state grains in their distilling process. That's really different and cool. …

“Lord's Lavender Farm is new to us this year. We have a full-time dog treat vendor that's all freeze-dried dog treats. Buffalo Freeze Dry is the name of her business. Brittney (Knowles) from Pressing Matter is expanding. She's been with us for the last four years. She's actually going to have a food trailer this year, and she's going to do acai and smoothie bowls, and grab-and-go salad.”

Maria from Maria Natalie Designs said it's been “so exciting to see how the market has expanded over the last few years by bringing in such a variety of talented vendors offering such a wide selection of foods and artisan-made items."

Special themes planned for the Lewiston Artisan Farmers Market this season include a summer festival on June 28, and a touch-a-truck event on July 12.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/lewistonartisanmarket/.

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Lewiston Artisan Farmers Market begins ‘summer’ season

It was a chilly start to the new “summer” season at the Lewiston Artisan Farmers Market on Saturday. Still, people were eager to come out and purchase fresh produce and a new assortment of made-to-order foods.

The Lewiston Artisan Farmers Market continues weekly, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at Academy Park.