By Ali Linan
The Village of Old Westbury is working to bring the community together with the start of its semimonthly farmers market.
The market, which offers organic, locally grown vegetables and fresh eggs, began in June and will continue through September during the last two Saturdays of each month. It is open from 10 a.m. to noon outside Village Hall.
“This is an opportunity for the community to come together and have this great experience,” village Trustee Leslie Fastenberg said.
The idea for the market began when Fastenberg noticed another community in the area doing something similar. As most people have pools and playgrounds in their backyards in Old Westbury, Fastenberg said, there was a lack of community and communal gathering spaces.
So she decided to create one.
Peter Paniccia, a farmer and resident of Old Westbury, sells what he grows, so the people truly get locally grown items, Fastenberg said.
The market is also expanding as a second vendor has begun selling granola and dried fruit, Fastenberg said.
And as more people in the village become aware of the market, Fastenberg said she hopes it will continue to grow.
“It’s a tremendous experience,” Fastenberg said. “It’s a nice opportunity for people to come out into the neighborhood.”
