Photos: Lake George Farmers’ Market opens for the 2022 season

The Lake George Village Farmers’ Market 2022 season kicked off Wednesday, June 22, expanding the definition of a farmers’ market with a wide-ranging mix of foods, beverages, crafts and art. Although the opening day was overcast and cool, one vendor noted that there has been a steady flow of foot traffic through the market. “Lots of people are taking samples and cards.” The Market will be set up on the sidewalk in front of Shepard Park on Canada Street every Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. through September 7. Free parking spaces are available for shoppers in front of the market.

The Monica family of Maple Valley Farm in Corinth has been tapping their trees for five generations. The smell of their maple cotton candy added a sweetness to the Shepard Park air. Maple Valley Farm also brought syrup, maple candy, maple cream and maple sugar to the farmers’ market.

The owner of Liz’s Cakes & Bakes, Elizabeth Allan, was not managing her booth on opening day. She was busy preparing for her high school graduation. In her place, her father, Roger Allan, sold the muffins and cookies the enterprising young woman prepared for market.

Roger says that Liz began baking when she was a high school sophomore. It was during the pandemic, and she was bored. She produced more than her family and friends could eat, so she began selling at markets. In 2020, she sold her products at the Shirt Factory in Glens Falls. Last summer, she began selling at the Lake George Farmers’ Market. She also sells on Saturdays at the Lake George Escape Campground.

Liz specializes in custom cakes and baked goods for people with allergies or sensitivities to gluten, dairy and other problematic ingredients. According to Roger, Liz plans to attend SUNY Adirondack in the fall to study entrepreneurship.

Stunad’s Italian Ice offers several flavors at the Farmers’ Market, with more options available at their shop in the Village Mall one block south of Shepard Park.

Lake George Examiner Associate Sarah Winter enjoys a triple-scoop dish — a combination of cherry, chocolate and cannoli Italian ice.

Sundaes Best hot fudge sauces are locally made by Katie Camarro in Saratoga County and sold at the market by Kathleen Miller. While shoppers have many varieties of hot fudge sauce to choose from, including hazelnut, java and peanut butter, Miller says the original hot fudge sauce is the best seller.

Freddy’s Rockin Lemonade serves up cold, fresh-squeezed lemonade and offers a unique variety of flavors such as watermelon-cucumber and limeade-basil. Shoppers leery of unusual flavor combinations are offered a free sample. The guys at Freddy’s Rockin Lemonade make the 85-mile drive from Sharon Springs, New York each Wednesday because “We sell a lot of lemonade in Lake George!”

Alicia of Mean Max Brew Works pours samples for market shoppers.

Saratoga Apple brought bags of apples and apple products including cider doughnuts.

Junbucha is akin to kombucha but is brewed with raw honey instead of sugar. Kalie, who was selling Junbucha along with other health products, says Junbucha is an anti-inflammatory that is good for “gut health” and strengthening the immune system.