COOPERSTOWN – The Cooperstown Farmers’ Market has posted its 2007 vendor application forms and rules online and is seeking applicants for the upcoming season, which begins May 12 with the annual Mother’s Day celebration. The only indoor farmers’ market in the region, the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market (CFM) is located just off Main Street in Pioneer Alley and operates each Saturday, rain or shine, May through December. The objective of the CFM is to support locally grown produce and locally made crafts. Eighty percent of the goods and produce offered by vendors must be produced within the environs of Otsego County by the vendor, a member of the vendor’s immediate family, or a representative. The producer – or in the case of agricultural vendors, the farm – is required to be within a 50-mile radius of the market. In addition to the quality produce, homemade food and handmade craft items market regulars have come to expect, the CFM is also known throughout the area for its live entertainment and special theme days, such as Kids’ Day and the Zucchini Festival. Last year, visitors to the market enjoyed everything from balloon art to beer tasting to book signings. Special guests performed regularly. Plans for more of the same in 2007 are already well under way. This season, the CFM plans to launch a new “eat local” campaign. Efforts will focus in part on the 100-Mile Diet, which encourages people to support local farmers, eat healthier, create a secure food supply and save energy. The Cooperstown Farmers’ Market is sponsored by Otsego 2000. For more information about joining the market, visit www.otsego2000.org/farmersmarket/ or call 607-547-6195.
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