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Syracuse University’s Student Government Association hosted its first-ever indoor farmers market Sunday, bringing together 13 local vendors selling everything from homemade banana pudding to vintage SU merchandise.

Held at the Miron Victory Court, the market hosted two rows of vendors lining the room, one side consisting of food options, and the other containing clothing, jewelry and books. The event’s open space allowed students to walk up to any booth of their choice.

Items for sale included homemade sourdough from Awa’s Petit Four, clothing items from The Vintage Yard and an array of books from multiple vendors like Parthenon Books.

SGA designed the market to be more “meaningful” than a regular shopping experience, Vice President of Community and Government Affairs and Syracuse native Kenny Lanterman explained. He said SGA created the event to strengthen the connection between students, Syracuse residents and business owners.

“This market means a lot to student government because it reflects the very best of what our community can be,” Lanterman said. “It brings Syracuse together. It’s more than just shopping — it’s about supporting our small businesses and celebrating the creativity that exists right here in our city and on our campus.”

Many students, including SU freshman Gabriel Dutari, purchased goods and had conversations with the vendors. Dutari said the chance to shop locally while on campus made the event special.

“It’s nice that the university gives us opportunities to do that, because as students, we’re sometimes not thinking about supporting local businesses,” Dutari said. “My experience was great between the variety of things that they had and how nice people were.”

Fellow SU freshman Gaven Getter said he appreciated the range of options available and emphasized the amount of support the vendors received from students.

Produce vendor Amelia Wasiluk’s stand sold fresh vegetables and her homemade avocado salsa dip, which she called a “Mexican peasant-style guacamole.” Wasiluk embraced the open environment by constantly greeting students and offering samples.

“I love young people,” Wasiluk said. “I think young people are the future of this country and the world.”

Wasiluk said her booth at the market served as a moment of reflection for her career journey. She said she chose running a small business over greater monetary success, finding it rewarding to bring her products to people of Syracuse.

“It has brought a lot of richness and wealth in my own humanness,” Wasiluk said.

Lanterman said to make the event more accessible, the market had no admission fee for vendors or students. The approach reflects a broader effort by SGA to support engagement with the greater city and expand opportunities for local businesses to be represented on campus, Lanterman said.

“Moments like this help bridge the gap between campus and city,” Lanterman said. “They remind us that we are not separate communities, but one community with a shared future.”

Published on March 1, 2026 at 11:41 pm