It’s no secret that Thanksgiving marks the official start of the crazy holidays: You hit Walmart or Target to buy the ingredients for Turkey Day; while you’re there, you might as well take advantage of that pre-Christmas sale. Besides, that special toy might not be available after Black Friday. But the Heart of the Hudson Valley Farmers Market offers an alternative to the commercialized madness with its Buy Local Holiday Extravaganza and Farmers Market.
Local farmers, craftsmen, bakeries, and wineries offer their holiday wares — everything from dinner ingredients to Christmas trees and wreaths — for sale. “We put the emphasis on local businesses under one roof to give people the convenience and ability to shop locally for the holidays, whether it be for Thanksgiving dinner preparations or holiday decorations,” says Sheila Mannese, one of the market’s managers, who expects close to 500 attendees this year.
Coat, food, and toy drives also take place, and local artists are slated to perform. “This is our fourth year, and we’ve never had a bad review,” Mannese says (Nov. 23 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Marlboro Elementary School, Rte. 9W, Marlboro; www.meetmeinmarlborough.com or www.hhvfarmersmarket.com).
» Return to Thanksgiving Guide 2013
