by Deb Reed
Allegany Hope Information Ambassador
The Andover Farmers Market has entered its second season, with its second weekly event to be held from 3PM to 6PM Thursday on the front lawn of the Andover Central School at 31 Elm Street.
The Market, created last year by two community residents, adds to Andover’s visitor attractions, which include the Spring Maple Festival and its upcoming 4th of July Celebration.
Fresh, homegrown vegetables and designer coffee with homemade sweet treats, are among some of the choices each week, with a free, changing craft table available for children.
The idea for the market was brought to the Andover community through the efforts of two of its residents, Mandi Joyce-Phelps and Jen Joyce.
It originally came to Joyce-Phelps as a result of working with a nonprofit which provided her with insight into community needs.
Becoming mindful of the aging population in the community, the aspect of less driving for seniors to access needed items became a dream.
Joyce-Phelps contacted her sister-in-law, who since has become the new superintendent of schools, with the thought of “wouldn’t it be great if we had a farmers market in Andover?”
The two went to work to make it happen, first posting on social media to gauge interest.
When the post was met with positive, enthusiastic feedback, the school was chosen due to its central location in the village and available parking.
Joyce-Phelps says the organizers wanted to keep the market “as hands off as possible,” which resulted in vendors being allowed to set up their displays without charge.
Further information is available at theandoverfarmersmarket@gmail.com or on its Andover Farmers’ Market Facebook page.