Teresa Stephenson of Bloomingdale, owner of T Marie’s Pies and Pastries, right, is seen with her sister-in-law Jenny Brooks of Vermontville at the Saranac Lake Farmers’ Market on Saturday. This is Stephenson’s first season at the market. (Enterprise photo — Tori Marbone)

LAKE PLACID — Communities throughout the Adirondack region are welcoming local farmers markets this summer and fall. Many markets will feature fresh, locally sourced food and products, beginning in late May and continuing through mid-October.

With over 20 farmers markets throughout the Adirondacks, the region offers a wide variety of fresh produce, handmade crafts and other local goods. These markets are spread across towns and villages, including well-established locations in Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Keene Valley, Elizabethtown and Ticonderoga, as well as newer or seasonal markets in places like Port Henry and Long Lake.

Adirondack Harvest, an organization committed to promoting local agriculture, has created a comprehensive directory of these farmers markets. The directory, available at adirondackharvest.com, provides information on market locations, schedules, events and seasonal produce. The website is a valuable resource for connecting farmers, producers and consumers — strengthening the local agricultural community and ensuring access to sustainable food systems while preserving the region’s scenic landscapes.

Laurie Davis, Adirondack Harvest program administrator, encourages residents and visitors alike to explore their local farmers markets.

“Farmers markets are not only convenient for purchasing fresh, seasonal and locally-grown food directly from the farmer,” she said. “They also offer a rare chance to engage with the people who grow, harvest and make these products. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about agricultural practices, animal care and land stewardship, which are vital to the region’s agritourism sector.”

Efforts are underway to ensure that fresh produce is accessible to as many people as possible. Local, state and federal programs help provide financial assistance to those experiencing food insecurity, which can often be used at farm stores and farmers markets. Adirondack Harvest’s website also includes a detailed FAQ page listing food assistance programs available across the region.

Sydney Aveson, communications coordinator at ROOST, shares her appreciation for the local food scene.

“There’s something truly special about the number of farms, markets and roadside stands throughout the Adirondacks,” she said. “I love visiting farmers markets, and knowing there’s always another one nearby if I miss a local market makes it easy to support the hardworking farmers and producers who help sustain our communities.”

Food enthusiasts can also look forward to the Adirondack Harvest Festival, a celebration of local food, agriculture and community. The festival, scheduled on Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Essex County Fairgrounds, will feature live music, workshops and demonstrations, a large farmers market, food trucks showcasing regional flavors, activities and entertainment

Local markets include:

Elizabethtown: Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 7590 Court St. — June 20 to Sept. 5.

Keene Valley: Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 12942 NY-73 Scenic — May 25 to Oct. 12..

Lake Placid: Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2634 Main St. — July 2 to Aug. 27.

Long Lake: Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on South Hill Road — June 26 to Aug. 28.

Saranac Lake: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Riverside Park on River St. — May 17 to Oct. 11.

Upper Jay: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon at Snowy Grocery, 18 Sugar House Way — April 11 to Dec. 28.