Huntington Farmers Market Comes To Close

, which ran from June until November, came to a close on Sunday. Both vendors and business owners are sad to see the market go, but are excited for what next year will bring in terms of new customers and participants.

Jenice Sesti, owner of The Green Market in Greenlawn, N.Y., participated in the market for the first time this year and said that she will be back next year. "This year has been good," Sesti said. "I used to come as a shopper and now I am here as a vendor. I really like the camaraderie – I am going to be sad about leaving all of my new friends," she said.

One of the benefits to showing at the market, said Sesti, was the exposure. She explained that she gets more customers that come into her store on a weekly basis from seeing her at the market. This sentiment was echoed by Nicole Brown, an employee at Blue Point, N.Y.-based Miss Amy's Preserves. Miss Amy's has participated in the market for four years.  

"The market really helps people know our business. [Customers] want the best and they want all-natural. My boss does online shipping and wholesale and she gets customers year-round from this," Brown said.

Shoppers, too, tout the benefits of the farmers market, which range from fresher offerings to forming friendships.

Sara Werst said that she stopped in every week while the market was open. "I like to shop for produce and other goods here because they are natural and local," she explained. "It creates a community-based relationship. You can talk to the farmers about where they are growing their goods and how. It also gives me a chance to support the local economy," Werst added.

Pat Annunziata also visited the market every week and said that it's more of a social event for her instead of just a place to purchase wares. "These people become your friends. They give you tips on cooking, and ideas for dog care and raising children," Annunziata said. "The camaraderie is incredible. Everyone here supports everyone else. This is the Long Island that I like when I am here," she said.

Annunziata also added that the market proved to be a key place for her to get a feel for the local economy. "There are a lot of small business ideas and it helps me to get the flavor of what is going on locally," she said.