Village of Lewiston pitched second farmers market

Sunday event not affiliated with Lewiston Artisan Farmers Market

By Joshua Maloni

GM/Managing Editor

Town of Lewiston resident Brian Reilly is looking to start a Sunday farmers market at Academy Park beginning in June 2026. He explained his concept to the Village of Lewiston Board of Trustees at a work session on Monday.

“The one thing that is void around here is a pure farmers market,” Reilly said.

He complemented the existing Lewiston Artisan Farmers Market, which is held Saturdays, while further sharing what would make his version different. Reilly said his vision is more in line with a “pure farmers market where people … start the week and come in and get their vegetables, and do a nice family event after church in the mornings on Sundays.”

In addition, “A lot of people have expressed interest that we can do a cornhole tournament during the same time period, to bring more people to the park during that period – kind of bring some energy to the village early Sundays throughout the summer; make it kind of a destination for families,” Reilly said.

“I don't know if you’ve been to the North Tonawanda farmers market,” he asked trustees. “It’s just jammed with thousands; you know, you can't park anywhere near it. We don't want to get to that size. We want to keep it not a lot of vendors. A nice offering of different fruits and vegetables from local farmers.”

“There would be farmers and there would probably be some beverages – cider and different drinks for kids; coffee,” he added.

The Sunday market would run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. almost every week from June through October.

Reilly explained he is not a farmer. He said, “My wife does own a food truck, a matcha latte company. We weren't allowed to get in (to the Lewiston Artisan Farmers Market) because it's very restricted.”

Clerk Shannon Fundis noted Lewiston Artisan Farmers Market proprietor Rachel Jolbert sets vendors “so her people aren’t competing with each other.”

Trustee Tina Coppins said, “I’d like to see a list of who you’re thinking of signing up and putting in.”

Reilly said farmers have expressed interest in his idea, but are reluctant to commit without a specific date, time and venue approved by the Village of Lewiston.

Trustees asked for more time to consider Reilly's idea. Fundis also said she would need a layout proposal to share with local first responders.

Reilly suggested holding the market closer to the Center Street side of Academy Park – the Lewiston Artisan Farmers Market takes place alongside the Cayuga and South Ninth streets sides – but he was told there might not be sufficient electrical outlets in that quadrant.

“What are you going to call this?” Mayor Anne Welch asked.

“Right now, we have Lewiston Artisan Farmers Market,” Coppins said.

“I don't want to confuse people,” Welch said.

“We can submit names to you, to see what you like,” Reilly said.

He added, “I don't want to infringe on Saturdays … because she does a nice job.”

Welch said, “I don’t want to steal her (vendors), either, and (have them say,) ‘Oh, we’re just going to do it on Sunday now, instead.’ She’s been doing that a while, and she does a nice job.”

“Hers is a little different, though,” Trustee Nice Conde said.

“I think that the important thing is separating them – and if you’re going to do it, make them completely different, so people have a reason to visit one or both,” Fundis said.

Deputy Mayor Vic Eydt said there is room for more local farmer participation.

“Over the weekend, I hit a couple barns out 104 and got to know some of the people,” he said. “I asked them about coming into Lewiston. They go, ‘No. We go to Tonawanda, Kenmore, Amherst’ ” because those are more-traditional farmers markets.

Eydt suggested Reilly stick to that model.

“I envision it like the old farmers market in Niagara Falls,” Reilly said.

He added, “I’d really like to do the cornhole, because I think it gives a twist.”

“I think we just need some more information – like the layout of what you want to do,” Welch said.

Fundis suggested Reilly also check with the New York State Department of Agriculture about any necessary permitting. He said he’s already initiated contact with the Niagara County Department of Health.

Reilly is expected to appear before the Village Board again at the Oct. 20 monthly meeting.