"I've lived in Fresh Meadows all my life, and I never knew this was here.”
Kevin Sims has heard similar sentiments many times. He's the manager of the Down to Earth Farmers Market in Cunningham Park, which hosts some 20 vendors on Sunday morning and early afternoon, from April through December, at one edge of the park. Considering that Cunningham comprises 358 acres of athletic fields, hiking and biking trails and picnic grounds, and is just one part of a 2,800-acre corridor of greenspace in the wide-open spaces of eastern Queens, a once-a-week farmers market might easily be overlooked.
On our first visit, however — even before we enjoyed a blueberry scone, crisp samples of apple and watermelon radish, a pair of hearty empanadas, a vegan "brookie" and an essential morning cup of coffee — we quickly saw how the market has cultivated a relationship with the community. Or, at least, with those members of the community who know where and when to find it. Read more on Culinary Backstreets.
