For the first time in six months, Mount Kisco has a farmers market to call its own. The new version had a soft opening on Saturday morning at the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester, which is serving as its year-round host.

The program is organized by John Boys Farm, a group with Pound Ridge roots that is one of 26 vendors that offer fresh meats, produce and sweets.

Organizers reported good turnout for the soft opening in line with expectations.

The emergence of a new farmers market is a major turnaround for Mount Kisco and the Boys & Girls Club, which saw the original operator, Community Markets, depart in late May. John Boys came onto the scene during a search for a replacement.

Vendors had a range of specialized products, with unique backgrounds.

“I think it’s a great winter option for people," said vendor Shelley Shulz, a Pound Ridge resident and owner of Healing Home Foods. Her products include gluten-free products and stuff that's dehydrated at a low temperature. She began making her foods in order to help her autistic son and her husband when he was diagnosed with cancer.

“The idea is to heal the body with food, and that’s what Healing Home is all about," she said.

Dori Acampora of the prepared food vendor The Farm Foodie, described her group's routine, which includes preparing something new every week based on locally sourced ingredients from farms and what is available. On Saturday, Indian food was available for people to chow down on.

Shelley Lewis Waln, a board member at the Boys & Girls Club, described the situation with farmers markets as “a new life style trend.” She cited an enthusiasm anecdote of a man telling a reporter covering the event that he spent $300 at it.

The soft opening, in a sense, is a preview of what's to come. According to Brian Skanes, the Boys & Girls Club executive director, half of the gym is currently being used for the Junior League of Northern Westchester. More space will open up once that area is empty, and new programs will be introduced. They include entertainment, arts and crafts. A grand opening is slated for Jan. 14.

Check out our video of the soft opening!