ANDES, N.Y. — What began as an experiment to bring together local makers in the western Catskills has quickly become one of the region’s most anticipated summer gatherings.
The Oh-Boy! Market, established in 2024, returns July 3 and 4 in Andes, NY, on the pastures of Wayside Cider, once again transforming the grounds into an open-air showcase of regional food, drink, design, and craft.
Founded by Brian Early, the market was originally conceived while he was working at Wayside Cider and getting to know a growing network of Catskills-based artists, makers, and food producers.
In its first iteration, Early said, the event drew far beyond expectations — bringing together roughly 40-plus vendors and an audience that far exceeded what organizers anticipated, helped in part by word-of-mouth and social media momentum. Since then, the market has expanded into a seasonal showcase that blends local identity with destination appeal.
“This started as a kind of experiment,” Early explained, describing the idea as a way to create something fun for the community while spotlighting the talent he was seeing across the region. “There just wasn’t something like this happening up here.”
Food, farms, and returning favorites
This year’s food and beverage lineup continues that emphasis on regional sourcing and collaboration, with offerings ranging from quick-serve market food to specialty seafood and baked goods.
Among the participating vendors is Wayside’s kitchen team, led by chef Tara Norville, known for her farm-driven menus that highlight ingredients sourced within roughly a 100-mile radius, including area farms and the Delhi farmers market.
Also returning is Magpies, a bakery and sweets vendor known for hand pies and desserts, along with Rae’s out of Margaretville, which is partnering with a new local collaborator to serve locally sourced hot dogs.
Cafe Mutsi will again be on site offering sandwiches and baked goods, continuing its presence as both a café and community gathering space within the event’s footprint.
Seafood offerings from Oyster Party will also return, featuring East Coast oysters and lobster rolls.
Building community through shared space
For vendors, the market is as much about connection as commerce.
Dear Native Grapes, a Walton-based winery focused on early American grape varieties, has participated in multiple editions of the event.
Co-owner Alfie Alcántara described the market as a highly interactive environment where vendors and visitors mix in a shared creative space.
“It’s a really great vibe. That’s kind of I would describe it. It’s very positive the market. I almost feel like a there’s parts of it that almost feel like an art installation,” he said. “They sometimes have builders or architects who live in the community put stuff together like structures that are cool and people can kind of interact with them. There are these really cool creative components to it.”
Growing into the future
As the Oh Boy Market continues to evolve, Early says he hopes to expand beyond its current summer format. Ideas include adding spring and fall editions, and potentially expanding into additional indoor venues during colder months to accommodate seasonal constraints.
“If we can find a very large location, something that’s like 5,000 square feet or bigger up here in the Catskills to do an indoor version of this market, we would definitely do it during the holidays. It’d be a lot of fun,” he said.
Image: The Oh-Boy Market in 2025. (ohboymarket.com)