Good Turnout Despite Wet Start For 2013 Farmers Market Season

Under wet awnings, the East Hampton Farmers Market kicked off its 2013 season on Friday.

Now in its eighth season, the market takes place each Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the parking lot of Nick & Toni's in East Hampton.

"Even though there's puddles on the ground, people keep coming," said Kate Plumb, the manager coordinator.

Customers looking to start the Memorial Day weekend with some fresh goods dodged raindrops with good cause. They found fresh flowers, vegetables, fish, sweets and dog treats.

Among the newbies to the East Hampton market this season is Arlotta Food Studio, which has sold certified-organic olive oil grown in California for the past five years. They are infused with flavors, like lemon, basil and garlic. Some of the best sellers include a Blood Orange and Hot Pepper.

Chris Arlottta and her husband, Marii Pecoraro, who live in Water Mill, decided to join the East Hampton market after selling at other markets and to specialty stores, like Red Horse Market and Hampton Seafood Co. in East Hampton.

"Everyone has the biggest smile on their face. They are really happy to have this market," Arlotta said.

Also new to the market is Bhumi Farm, a new farm on leased-Peconic Land Trust land in Amagansett, and Gula Gula, artisanal empanadas company that sells them warm and frozen.

By 11 a.m., Luchi Masliah was nearly sold out of the 24 dozen empanadas she made for the morning. "It was a great turnout," she said. "A lot of the vendors like to have something to eat too."

Favorites returning this year included Balsam Farms, of Amagansett, Horman's Best Pickles, from Glen Cove, and Open Minded Organics, a Beidgehampton farm that sells dried and fresh mushrooms.