MONTICELLO — For decades, the farmer’s market on East Broadway in the Village of Monticello has been a staple in the community. In recent years, ownership of the business has changed several times, with it being closed for the past several months. However, it is open for business once again.

Having recently opened, Lenny Williams and Joe Rea are leading the popular farmer’s market into its next chapter.

The farmer’s market sign on the building's exterior, known by many for years, will remain, but the business will now be known as Lou’s Produce.

Rea, who owns Rea Ford (less than three miles away), is financing the project, while Williams, a farmer with over 40 years of experience in the produce business, runs and oversees the day-to-day operations.

Rea was complimentary of Williams’ knowledge and experience saying, “He’s a hell of a produce guy and really knows his stuff.”

The store’s offerings include fresh produce, milk, eggs, honey, pastries, and other food items catering to the diverse population that calls Monticello home.

“We’re going to try and take care of everybody,” said Rea.

They'll also have other products for sale such as bird seed and sunflower seeds. It is also expected, later this summer, that they will begin to accept Electronic Benefits Transfer funds for those who qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

When talking about what, from a community perspective, interested him in getting involved in the project, Rea referenced its history.

“It’s a landmark,” said Rea. “There are still people that know this place from the old days … All we were getting were phone calls, ‘when will you open, when are you going to open,’ and the biggest thing that I see here is that it will go back to the days of greatness. I really see that based on what Lenny is going to do.”

For more information, call the store number at 845-428-7738.