Willow Marsh Farm Store at 343 Hop City Rd., Ballston Spa, is holding an official ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony this Saturday, May 18 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. The actual ribbon-cutting by the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County officials will start at 3 p.m., and be attended by local officials and agricultural community members. The event is free and open to the public.

The Willow Marsh Farm Store will offer its signature raw milk, yogurt and cheeses; Angus beef; free-range chicken; farm-fresh eggs; baked goods; vegetables; and a multitude of local products.

Store owner Chuck Curtiss is a fifth-generation farmer. Willow Marsh Farm comprises more than 130 acres of soon to be permanently protected farmland. The dairy herd consists of more than 50 animals. The beef and veal herd includes 40 animals; plus, there are 10 sheep.

The opening event will include produce samples from local product vendors 3P’s and a Chick (hummus), Battenkill Farms, Berrylicious Bouquets, Primo’s Italian Marinara and Sundae’s Best Hot Fudge as well as natural garlic spreads, homemade granola, maple syrup and more.

There will free food and a wine tasting courtesy of the Saratoga Winery. Fun activities for children are planned as well.

Curtiss said the new store has been a long time coming.

Curtiss’s wife and co-owner, Darlene, expresses special recognition of and appreciation to Tara Nimmo of the Saratoga Winery as her source for encouragement and ideas. Darlene Curtiss said a big part of the store’s development and building over the past year was a direct result of that relationship.

 Willow Marsh Farm can be found on the Web at http://willowmarshfarm.com and on Facebook.  

--Jennie