About the Ithaca Farmers Market:
The Ithaca Farmers Market is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year!
In 1973, a small group of farm and food entrepreneurs put their heads together and came up with the idea for a market that is TOTALLY LOCAL PRODUCTS produced by the vendor within 30 miles of Ithaca. This rule has enabled hundreds of small farm, food and craft entrepreneurs to launch their businesses. Over the years, Market businesses have grown, diversified their offerings, and expanded into other retail venues.
The Ithaca Farmers Market is now one of the most successful in NYS and the country. We draw anywhere from 2000 to 5000 guests from the surrounding counties as well as visitors come from all over the world.
The IFM operates as a self-governing cooperative of nearly 130 members. It started out in a parking lot in front of Agway, then moved to Taughannock Blvd. and, since 1988, it has been operating on City land at Steamboat Landing where it is located from April to December. The Market operates year-round, moving inside Triphammer Marketplace in winter.
To celebrate our accomplishments, the IFM invites you to join the market vendors and customers during a 50th Anniversary Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting being held on Saturday, May 6, 10 – 11 AM, at Steamboat Landing.
We greatly appreciate the support of our community in contributing to our success and look forward to your participation in helping us thrive for another 50 years!
In the next 3-5 years, the Market will be making improvements to our facility and site – better parking and traffic flow, improved handicap access, more restrooms, building repairs and upgrades, to provide an enjoyable public gathering space for all to enjoy.
See you at Market – from the Board and Vendors of IFM
Featured Annual Events
Economic Summit
The Tompkins Chamber presents key local issues impacting local businesses and developers, policy issues impacting the business community, and local insights from participants in a national economic outlook survey. Partnering with Ithaca Area Economic Development (IAED), the event includes important updates about our economy, workforce, upcoming projects, and strategies to move forward and achieve a sustainable economic recovery.
Annual Dinner & Awards
One of the premier business community events of the year, the Annual Meeting highlights the Chamber community and previews the goals and initiatives for the coming year. Come and celebrate the success of our business community and economic development with hundreds of local leaders and elected officials! Join us as we raise a glass to the companies, not-for-profits, and volunteers who partner with us to help our community thrive.
Golf Tournament
This day on the green combines top-notch golf with valuable networking and advertising opportunities. Held at one of the County’s finest and professionally-rated golf courses. Staggered start golf tournament with several prizes, including skins. Lunch and beverages provided.
Great Big Chamber Auction
See and be seen by the region’s top business executives and small business owners. The Great Big Chamber Thank You & Auction holds tremendous value to our sponsors, donors, and attendees as it is one of our most highly publicized and attended events. The Great Big Chamber Auction portion helps underwrite the events and programs that support our Chamber members. Traditional silent and live auction, networking, and nonprofit recognition awards.