Frequently Asked Questions

 

Visiting the market

Q: What are the Regional Market hours?

A: The Farmers Market is open on Thursdays (May through mid-November) and Saturdays year round. The Flea Market operates May - December on Sundays and January - April on Saturdays. Notably, some vendors do sell Farmer’s Market goods on Sundays as well. Market hours are between 7am - 2pm.

Q: where can i park?

The Regional Market offers parking on three different sides of the Sheds where the Market is held.

Q: when is the best time to shop at the farmers market?

Shoppers will find the most variety of products on Saturdays before 12pm. Some will leave early for various reasons such as running out of product, but many do stay until 2pm. If you would like to attend the Market when there are less people, we encourage visitors to arrive when the Market opens at 7am on Saturdays or visit our Thursday Markets any time between 7am - 2pm, May through November.

Q: Are pets allowed at the Regional Market?

A: Pets are not allowed at the Regional Market. Only service animals are permitted.

Q: Are there disability accommodations or accommodations for individuals with strollers?

A: All buildings are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. The Market does not provide stroller or wheelchair rentals.

Q: Do vendors accept credit/debit cards?

A: Some vendors do accept credit/debit cards. If you do not have cash and would like to avoid an ATM fee, the Market Staff does provide tokens which can be used on the Market with many vendors who do not accept credit/debit cards. You can purchase tokens at our Welcome Center with your credit/debit card in $5 increments for no additional charges. The Welcome Center is the small brick building located between A-Shed and our Market Commons building. If you require further directions, contact our office by phone at 315-422-8647.

Q: how do i find a specific market vendor?

A: Visit our Vendor List for more information or email cnyrma@gmail.com.

Q: who operates the market?

A: The CNY Regional Market is managed by The CNY Regional Market Authority (Authority). The Authority is a non-for-profit, public corporation founded in 1938.


Health & safety

Q: How DID the Regional Market deal with COVID19?

A: We took every precaution to ensure the safety and health of our customers, vendors and staff. Vendors, customers, and staff were required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth (mask, scarf, handkerchief, etc.) while allowing six feet for social distancing when it was mandated by the State of New York. Food and drink samples were not permitted unless provided in prepackaged containers. We did not offer or allow seating areas for the consumption of food or beverages, and we advised our vendors to not allow customers to touch products before sales transactions to prevent the spreading of germs. Restrooms and the Welcome Center were and still are cleaned regularly and hand sanitizer is provided.

Q: Do I have to wear a mask at the Regional Market?

A: No, it is no longer required by the state of New York to wear a mask.


Q: What and where is the Welcome Center?

A: The Welcome Center is the small brick building located between A-Shed and our Market Commons building. Our staff works from the Welcome Center during Market hours to provide various services and remain available to address questions/concerns. If you cannot find the building, contact our office by phone at 315-422-8647.

Q: Where can I pick up a map of the Market or other information?

Maps of the Market are provided by our staff at the Welcome Center.

Q: Do vendors accept credit/debit cards?

A: Some vendors do accept credit/debit cards. If you do not have cash and would like to avoid an ATM fee, the Market Staff does provide tokens which can be used on the Market with many vendors who do not accept credit/debit cards. You can purchase tokens at our Welcome Center with your credit/debit card in $5 increments for no additional charges. The Welcome Center is the small brick building located between A-Shed and our Market Commons building. If you require further directions, contact our office by phone at 315-422-8647.

Q: can i buy groceries with food stamps?

A: If you have an EBT card, you can purchase EBT Coins in the Welcome Center to use on the Market. There are no fees or charges. The Market however is not authorized to issue EBT cards to anyone.

Q: Is there an ATM at the Regional Market?

Yes, there is an M&T Bank ATM drive through at the Market. Our staff also provide a token service which allows customers to purchase tokens for no additional fees. Tokens are distributed at the Market’s Welcome Center.

Q: Is there a lost and found?

A: Yes, the Market’s lost and found is located in the Welcome Center.

Q: Does the Market distribute Senior Coupons?

A: Yes, senior coupons can be picked up in the Market’s Welcome Center between mid-July and September. This program is run by the Department of Youth & Aging. Each booklet is worth a total of $20 and can be used with farmer’s who are certified by NYS as growing their own produce. The coupons can be used at the CNY Regional Market as well as other locations and expire in November of each year. To qualify for coupons, the individual must be 60 years of age, meet the predetermined income requirements determined by NYS, and show photo ID with the individual’s name and date of birth at the time of pick up. The coupons can only be issued to the individual themselves unless the appropriate paperwork is provided proving power of attorney and can only be received once per year. For additional questions, contact the Onondaga County Aging Office at (315) 435-2362.

Q: Does the Market Distribute WIC Coupons?

A: No, the Market does not distribute WIC coupons, however some vendors do accept them.

Market Services


Special Events

Q: Can I host an event at the Market?

A: The Market’s newest building, F Shed, was built in 2014 to host special events. Since it’s construction, the building has played host to numerous concerts. The premise has also been a backdrop for a number of films. Our staff is extremely accustomed to coordinating with film crews, event planners, concert promoters, and more. For further inquiries, please contact our staff at cnyrma@gmail.com.


Become a vendor

Q: How do I become a vendor?

A: Visit our Become a Vendor web page.

Q: is there a market office?

A: Yes, our office is located in our Market Commons building. Open Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm. These are not the hours of operation of our Farmer & Flea Markets.

Q: How do I contact your staff?

A: Market staff can be contacted by submitting your inquiry on the Contact Us web page. The staff can also be reached at cnyrma@gmail.com or by phone 315-422-8647 during Market Hours and 8AM - 4:30PM Monday - Friday.

Q: What are the office hours?

A: Our office hours are Monday-Friday between 8am-4:30pm. Should you wish to schedule an in-person meeting with one of our staff members, please call our office in advance.


Market commons & retail locations

Q: what is the market commons?

A: The Market Commons is a collection of businesses which operate on the CNY Regional Market Authority’s property. Our current tenants include Better Brittle, M&T Bank, Market Diner, Pawsitivitea Cat Cafe & Lounge, Sweeny Electric, and Wendy’s. Each entity operates independently of the Market other than maintaining a landlord and leaser relationship. For hours of operation and more details, please visit their websites.

Q: What are the Commission Houses? What businesses operate out of them?

A: The Commission Houses are primarily wholesalers of produce and other goods. Current tenants of the Commission Houses are listed below. Each entity operates independently of the Market other than maintaining a landlord and leaser relationship. For more details, please contact our wholesalers directly.
D’Agostino: 315-415-4002
Peter Guintas & Sons Produce: 315-478-6535
Russo Produce Co.: 315-472-4791

Q: How do I become a tenant?

If interested in renting retail space in the Market Commons or surrounding area, please email cnyrma@gmail.com. Include your name, your businesses name, phone, the product and/or service you intend to sell as well as any existing markets, retail spaces, and/or online platforms where you sell.


Careers

Q: How do I apply for a job at the Market?

A: Visit our Careers web page to review existing job opportunities.