Windmill prepares for opening day

Apr 27, 2016 at 11:34 am by Observer-Review


Windmill prepares for opening day ADVERTISEMENT

Windmill prepares for opening day

DUNDEE--Beginning Saturday, April 30, the Windmill Farm and Craft Market will reopen for the 2016 season. Located at 3900 Route 14A between Dundee and Penn Yan, this will be the market's 29th year of operation. Manager Lauren Welch said he and his staff have been working throughout the winter to keep the buildings in shape for opening this spring, adding many of the nearly 200 vendors have already begun setting up their shops.
According to the Windmill's website, the concept for the Yates County market first began in 1978 by Bill, Ruth and Pat Gunderman, along with Ron Nissen following a visit to a Pennsylvania farm market. The Windmill officially opened June 27, 1987 with 64 vendors in two enclosed buildings and 25 vendors outdoors. The market has since grown to include more vendors, buildings and events, which include car shows, trick-or-treating for Halloween and pictures with Santa around the holidays.
Welch said the Windmill brought in new vendors this year, including one landscaper, two crafters, one ceramics vendor and one 1,000 Islands winery. There is also one new building located along the southern street side of the property this year. He noted it usually takes a lot of building maintenance in order to prepare the market for reopening each year.
"I could go on and on," Welch said. "It can be quite trying."
The manager noted much of the work focused on the market's driveways, along with work on the Windmill's eating area. He said this includes preparing around 150 picnic tables for use, adding they also built several new benches for this year as well. Welch said he works with a staff of six maintenance workers and janitors.
Welch added this will also be his last spring preparing the market for opening, as Floyd Hunter of Burdett will be taking over in another week or so. Welch said Floyd is retired, but his last assignment included helping to get the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel started.

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