19th Annual Margaretville Cauliflower Festival

By Eliza Schwartz

Celebrate the unsung hero of the Catskills this September: the cauliflower crop. September 23rd marks the 19th anniversary of the Margaretville Cauliflower Festival. The festival commemorates the historical importance of agriculture in the Catskills and unites the community through fun activities and participating local businesses.

In a time of economic disparity, the rise of the cauliflower crop in the Catskills saved many local dairy farmers from bankruptcy. Planted by William F. VanBenschoten in 1891 in Margaretville, it was quickly determined that the crop thrived in these conditions. Due to VanBenschoten’s success in selling his crop to markets in New York City, other farmers were inspired to plant their own cauliflower farms. The cauliflower industry rapidly expanded, reaching its peak in the early 1900s and lasting throughout the 1940s. This industrial boom provided and supported many other jobs, including crate manufacturers, railroad workers and truck drivers. The cauliflower industry was so important to the Catskill economy that it was considered “headline news,’ making the front page of any paper that it was mentioned in. The Cauliflower Festival serves as a way to remember this important crop and does so in an entertaining way.

This one day affair takes place in Margaretville on September 23 from 11 am to 4 pm. The day is full of fun activities. With experiences including face painting, live music, petting zoos, exhibitions (of both food and art), and an inaugural cornhole tournament, this festival prioritizes bringing the community together. The festival organizer, Karen Fairbairn says that “the festival is a really down-home event rooted in tradition.” This celebration represents aspects of both past and future traditions; seen in the spectacular tractor parade, the tractors at the exhibit are antiques and modern-day—driven by people who Fairbairn describes as “young and young at heart,” a symbol of past and present. Continuing this theme, all food vendors have a dish that features cauliflower but can also display other foods. The festival pays homage to the rich, historical significance of cauliflower and agriculture in the Catskills while also benefiting the community in myriad ways.

Part of the festival’s focus is highlighting local farmers and vendors. All local businesses are able to participate in the festival, the only requirement is that the items must be handmade and local. This exhibition of food and art gives the community a taste (literally) of the Catskills history.

This annual event is one that should not be missed. It is a fantastic way to take in the last warm days of summer while also having fun with friends and family. This event is more than a festival, it unites and supports the community tenfold. Visit the festival this Saturday, September 23 from 11 am to 4 pm, and celebrate the past while helping the future.

The festival takes place in the Village Park in Margaretville, just behind the Freshtown Market/CVS marketplace. Admission is free. Visit margaretvillecauliflowerfestival.org for more information.