Student vendors line Walnut Park for SGA’s 1st Farmers Market
On Sunday, SGA hosted its first farmers market in Walnut Park, allowing vendors sell products and reach new and interested locals. The market featured established businesses and students selling baked goods and handmade jewelry. Joe Zhao | Design Editor
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Eighteen vendor booths lined Walnut Park Sunday afternoon for the first-ever farmers market hosted by Syracuse University’s Student Government Association. Students and local business owners offered an array of items, including clothing, jewelry, boba tea and soaps.
SU freshman Max Lachut was inspired by his grandfather’s work with the Central New York Regional Market to host one for students on campus. Lachut said he wanted to provide a space for students and the surrounding Syracuse community to learn about local businesses.
“The market (is) a fantastic opportunity to support local businesses and artisans, while also offering SU students access to affordable foods and goods,” Lachut, chair of community engagement and government affairs for SGA, said.
Lachut said by hosting the market near campus, students could access local goods without taking a bus downtown, which saved funds for the association.
One vendor, The Eastwood Refillery, sold its nontoxic soaps at the market. Owners Troy and Michelle Stevens began their business selling at local markets and are set to open a storefront this Friday. Their business highlights the importance of sustainability and eco-friendly products.
The refillery lets customers bring their own containers and fill them with organic skincare products, cleaning solutions and essential oils. Michelle Stevens, who lives with an autoimmune disorder, said she’s more mindful of toxins in household products because of her diagnosis, so she ensures the products she sells are safe for people who are sensitive to harsh ingredients.
“The nice thing about this is it doesn’t really matter what your background is, economically, politically, whatever. Everybody can agree that the stuff we put in our bodies is bad and we throw too many things away,” Troy Stevens said.
Joe Zhao | Design Editor
Students from the community enjoyed SGA’s first ever farmer’s market, hosted on campus at Walnut Park. SU sophomore Max Lachut, who came up with the idea for the market, said he wanted to provide a space for students and the surrounding Syracuse community to learn about local businesses.
Cake Bar, a local cafe based in downtown Syracuse, was another business featured at the market.
Leila Gould, the cafe’s events manager, said she’s attended multiple farmers markets with Cake Bar to help expose students to its products and reach a wider audience.
She said she hopes students who came to the market will be inspired to visit one of the cafe’s storefronts.
“It’s good to get students to know about our stores since one of them is only about five minutes away,” Gould said. “That way, people who might not have a car can still come and enjoy.”
Anna Gugerty, an SU alum, sold cookies and cakes at the market with her business Kiki & Bouba Bakery. Gugerty, who’s been selling at local farmers markets since January 2024, said she uses high-quality, in-season, local and organic ingredients for her orders.
“I had a stand at the Eastside Farmers Market over at the Westcott Community Center, and I’ve been involved with the local food system,” Gugerty said. “I think this is a great area and use of space. It’s also a good central location, so it gets people out.”
Joe Zhao | Design Editor
Current students operated booths at the farmer’s market, including SUNY ESF students Mel Rosado and Remus McDonough. Rosado and McDonough had a stand with handcrafted earrings made from upcycled materials that showcased their love for alternative accessories.
Current students also operated booths, including SUNY ESF students Mel Rosado and Remus McDonough. Rosado and McDonough had a stand with handcrafted earrings made from upcycled materials that showcased their love for alternative accessories.
Rosado said she often works with upcycled materials and wanted to share her style with other students.
“It’s been really great to be involved with this and meet people through the market,” McDonough said. “It really is an awesome way to support student vendors and small businesses.”
Following Sunday’s strong vendor turnout, Lachut hopes the market will continue to highlight local businesses and connect students to the broader Syracuse community. He said SGA has looked into expanding the market and bringing in more food vendors and other businesses.
“This event is a trial run for something we’d love to make a regular occurrence,” Lachut said. “We’re especially excited to do this again next fall when we have more food-focused vendors.”
