Photo credits: Peter Lyons Hall
By Peter Lyons Hall
GREENWOOD LAKE, N.Y. — Visitors to the Lakeside Farmers Market on Saturday, July 11, enjoyed much more than fresh produce as live music, artisan foods and friendly local vendors combined to create another lively morning at Winstanley Park on Windermere Avenue.
Providing the day’s entertainment was D’raz’, a digital accordionist and vocalist whose versatile repertoire kept shoppers smiling as they browsed the market. Known for performing an eclectic mix of musical styles, D’raz’ seamlessly blended rock, rhythm and blues, country, blues, classic standards and rock-and-roll, creating a welcoming soundtrack that complemented the relaxed atmosphere along the avenue.
While the music drew visitors into the park, the market’s artisan food vendors kept them coming back for more. Among the regular favorites was Orlando’s Bakery, a family-owned business operated by husband-and-wife team Robert and Lara Kovacs. The bakery has become a familiar weekly presence at the market, offering handcrafted breads and savory baked specialties prepared with high-quality ingredients.
Customers browsing the bakery’s display found an impressive assortment of fresh-baked selections, including French baguettes, Italian ciabatta, cranberry raisin walnut bread, multigrain multi-seed loaves and the increasingly popular low-carb bread—a product not often found at neighborhood farmers markets. The bakery also featured hearty sausage and mozzarella and pepperoni and mozzarella stuffed breads, ideal for picnics or quick family meals.
Although Orlando’s Bakery does not regularly stock gluten-free products, the representatives said they are happy to prepare them by special request, reflecting the personalized service that has helped build a loyal customer following. “We’re here every week,” they said, emphasizing the importance of hospitality and personal relationships with customers. Their welcoming approach has become part of what makes the Lakeside Farmers Market a community gathering place as much as a shopping destination.
Operated by Grow Local Greenwood Lake, a 501 (c) (3) organization, the market continues to showcase the best of the region’s agriculture while supporting local artisans, specialty food producers and musicians. The market also provides SNAP benefits as well as its own proprietary Market Bucks to qualifying shoppers. Residents and their guests can find freshly harvested fruits and vegetables alongside baked goods, handcrafted foods and other locally made products, all while enjoying free live entertainment throughout the season.
The combination of quality vendors, family-friendly programming and convenient parking has made the Lakeside Farmers Market one of Greenwood Lake’s most popular Saturday morning destinations from May through October. For market hours, vendor information and the season’s entertainment schedule, visit https://www.growlocalgreenwoodlake.org/lakeside-farmers-market.
