OBSERVER Photo by Tonya Dodd Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market held a Grand Opening event under new management. It was also part of a 20th anniversary party as the facility hosts and promotes local farmers, crafters and artisans and their goods.

WESTFIELD — Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market re-brands itself as an incubator for small business. Cross Roads started 20 years ago with the intent to host and promote local farmers, crafters and artisans and their goods. Under new ownership this year, Cross Roads takes that same concept with a slight tweak and offers space for any entrepreneur looking for a venue to sell their product.

On Saturday, hundreds of patrons including local government officials, out-of-towners and local customers attended a Grand Opening event celebrating new ownership. Market Manager Lynn Patterson and Sue Poster of the Westfield-Barcelona Chamber of Commerce hosted an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. Many government officials and supporters who have been instrumental in helping keep the market going were present for the ceremony.

In addition to the fresh concept, the new owner gave a fresh face for Building One. A new coat of paint was applied, new flooring and lights were installed, and well-worn booths were repaired. Vendors may rent the physical space and utilities on a weekly basis at a lower rate than in the past — and are no longer expected to provide their own lights and physical booth needs. There are spaces available in Building One. The two other buildings are undergoing a makeover as well. Patterson stated Cross Roads wants to present the businesses in the best light and is focused on improving one building at a time to assure they are each given proper attention in the re-model.

The wine, fudge, cheese, maple and food vendors have returned and been staple vendors since the start of Cross Roads and appreciate the business with plans to stay.

Another long-standing vendor is Grape Country Soaps. Owner Laura Harford got her start at Cross Roads 17 years ago and now has soaps in a variety of markets and hospitals throughout Western New York. Her mother JoAnn Martin often tends to her shop at Cross Roads. The store offers soaps that are natural, made up of glycerin and other agents. There are fragrant soaps and healing soaps. According to Martin, the two most popular soaps are a charcoal soap that has no scent and is a fantastic remedy for acne, and the Birch soap, which is made up of birch sap added into glycerin and works great for eczema and psoriasis.

Two sisters were shopping from out of town and found several beautifully crafted cherry wood furniture pieces from crafter Gene Heil. Sandra Nelson is from Columbus, Ohio and has family vacations in Chautauqua County regularly. She has often come to Cross Roads over the years and is happy the market continues to grow. She was shopping with her sister, Jan who traveled from Virginia Beach. Sandra will put an end table and console table in her home and Jan will take a console table back home with her as well.

Angie Korynoski, of Erie has been pleased with the venue and has participated as a vendor for two years. Korynoski owns Sweet Matilda’s Gifts and creates custom-fitted pet wear and accessories. She “loves the concept of Cross Roads, friendly atmosphere and availability of exciting treasures.”

The market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 23 and re-opens for the season again in May of 2018.

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