August 10, 2011: From mid-May through mid-November, the intersection of Paxton Avenue and Stone Place comes alive before sunrise on Saturdays when vendors from the Hudson Valley region arrive to set up for the weekly Bronxville Farmers' Market.

By 8:30 am, when the market opens to the public, cars line the street. Some shoppers arrive on foot, two-wheeled grocery carts in tow. Almost everyone brings reusable shopping bags - especially the dark green bags displaying the Bronxville Farmers' Market logo - to fill with produce and other delectables.

Twenty-eight vendors offer fresh produce, fish and seafood, breads and other baked goods, honey, maple syrup, cheese, handmade soaps, and more at the farmers market, which is open until 1:00 p.m.

Mary Liz Mulligan, the originator and Market Manager, said this season is the tenth at the Paxton Road location. "We're so happy with how the space has opened up. It's much more appealing since the old Smith-Cairns building was razed."

The farmers' market promotes products that originate in the Hudson Valley. "Produce is the backbone," said Mulligan. Morgiewicz Produce, Inc. from Goshen, the market's largest produce vendor, brought carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, arugula, lettuce, and much more. "We're almost at the peak of the season and at that peak, Morgiewicz offers sixty-two different items."

Some vendors, like The Orchards of Conklin have participated in the farmers' market since it first began. Joseph Fisheries from Montauk and Flourish Baking Company from Scarsdale are new this year. "We prefer small vendors, and we sign on new ones during the season," Mulligan said.

She explained that, in the interest of providing variety and avoiding direct competition among the vendors, there is no duplication of items offered among the vendors. "We have several bakers, but you'll notice that they each have completely different items for sale."

Shoppers can find many gluten-free products and take confidence that packaged items, such as jams, jellies, syrups, and honey meet all FDA requirements. Mulligan keeps a list of regulated products and regulation data.

Staging the weekly Bronxville Farmers' Market requires constant work, organization, and reorganization. Mulligan keeps her records in binders, which she carries in her car. "I don't have a staff," she said. She explained that each vendor must register and provide a list of the products they plan to sell. She also requires details about the size and type of vehicles vendors will bring to the market. Mulligan pointed out that she needs produce growers to provide her with data about planting and expected harvest dates. With all of the information collected, Mulligan determines how many tents each vendor will need and draws a weekly layout of the market with each vendor's placement.

When a vendor registers, Mulligan adds its information to the market's website at http://www.bronxvillechamber.com/farmers-market/

Mulligan, a former Executive Director of the Bronxville Chamber of Commerce, has been involved with the Farmers' Market since it began. "I didn't think I was qualified for it," she said, "but you learn a lot. At first it was a little scary. But we're here for the good of the green movement and to help the farmers."