Opening weekend at Crossroads Farm
By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
Crossroads Farm at Grossman’s hosted their annual opening festival and ribbon cutting this weekend. The event, which was rescheduled from April 5 and 6, marks the farm re-opening to the community after the winter season.
The opening festival, which took place on May 3 and 4, included hay rides, a bounce house/slide, mini golf, kids crafts and activities, face painting. There were food and local craft vendors, a collaboration with Barrier Brewing Co., and tents from businesses that sponsor the farm.
“Opening day is very, very important,” farm hand Michael Alsheimer said. “It’s all about bringing the community together. And while we love to grow all the vegetables we can grow, there’s nothing more honorable that we can do than bring our community together and have a beautiful day at the farm.”
The farm opened its farm stand in April. You can visit the farm stand on Tuesdays and Fridays from 1 to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We ourselves grow produce, which is certified organic because we’re a certified organic farm,” said store manager Sara Sanotra. “We also work with a lot of farms out east for different poultry and dairy products. The mission of the farm stand is to always have local, seasonal, organic options in store. We want to support the local economy and help keep farms alive on Long Island.”
Nassau Land Trust, a nonprofit working to conserve land across the county, manages the farm, which is owned by Nassau County. “The Nassau Land Trust is privileged to have Crossroads Farm as our stewardship project,” MaryJean McCarthy, chairwoman of the NLT board, said. “We’re thrilled to dedicate our time and effort to maintaining this gem.”
“The farm is an irreplaceable jewel and we are so blessed to have it in Malverne,” said State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick. “I loved bringing my children here when they were kids and it is a place that we’ve all enjoyed for many, many childhood memories.”
During the opening ceremony, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick announced the farm had been designated a historic business in the state of New York and has been added to the historic business preservation registry by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The registry highlights New York business in operation for over 50 years that have contributed to their community’s history. Crossroads Farm at Grossman’s has been an operating farm for over 100 years.
“I used to come here as a kid, my grandfather would bring me here to see the chickens and buy fruit at the farm stand,” said Malverne Mayor Tim Sullivan. “I’m just glad that this farm has really come full circle. It’s been preserved and its now on quite a path to success, that not only benefits Malverne but the entire county.”
Crossroads Farm staff and members of the Nassau Land Trust board were joined by local officials, civic leaders and state politicians for a ribbon cutting ceremony to open Crossroads Farm this season.
“It’s pretty unique to have a working farm in Nassau County. We’re lucky to have it in our backyard, it’s a great asset to the village,” said Deputy Mayor Scott Edwards, who volunteers on the farm.
“I’ve helped out in any way I can, whether it’s working on the farm equipment, helping with field maintenance, and its great to be part of it.”
“What I love about coming to Crossroads every year, is it blossoms more and more,” said Assemblywoman Judy Griffin. “I think it’s wonderful that local businesses are using the farm, buying from the farm, buying healthy foods to serve at restaurants.”
Produce from Crossroads farm is used in local restaurants including Harvest House and Uva Rossa, Tori T’s Pizzeria, and Kookaburra Coffee Co. The farm also delivers 100 to 300 pounds of fresh, seasonal produce to Long Island Jewish Valley Stream hospital each week to be used in patients’ meals.
“The chamber is glad to see the farm thriving year after year, this being the
best year ever,” said Maria Casini, chairwoman of the Malverne Chamber of Commerce. “We’re thrilled that local businesses are building relationships with our farm.”
“This is an incredible place,” said John Ferretti, county legislator for district 15. “Not only does Crossroads Farm provide fresh produce for our community, but they’re there for our kids.”
The farm also hosts events year round, such as the upcoming Strawberry Festival in June. They also offer seasonal education programs for youth ages 4 through 14. Their Community Supported Agriculture program offers a purchasable membership in return for $650 in store credit and future discounts on all products in store.
“We thrive on our community,” said Santora. “So when you support the farm by either buying produce or just by showing up, you’re supporting so many other things, you’re growing community.”
