With the excited words, “It’s here,” and “The 2015 Farmers Market opening day today,” the Farmers Market on the Fairfield Hills’ Facebook page beckoned to guests on Tuesday, June 23. “Come on down,” the post stated.

The organic produce and local farm and merchant venue first started as the Sandy Hook Organic Farmers Market in 2003. This year the market resumed its most recent location of the last few years in Fairfield Hills, just past the main entrance.

Despite the webpage’s eager appeal, the first day quickly turned from overcast to a rife but torrential storm around 4:15 pm, chasing guests and vendors home.

Standing beneath a white awning were Sara Blersch and Nick Harper of Daffodil Hill, growers from Woodside Farm in Southbury. Remarking that the forecasted storm might not come until 7 pm, she barely finished speaking this thought when raindrops drummed on the canvas overhead. She and other vendors were soon packing their wares. For Ms Blersch, that meant loading her array of hanging flower baskets and fresh produce, which would include honey, salsa, and fruits as the season moves on.

Laughing at the sudden rain, she said, “We jinxed it.”

In the booth next-door was Sue Bishop of Continental Critters in Bethel. Ten percent of her pet goods sales will be donated this year to the New Milford Animal Welfare Society. Next year, she will choose another charity, she said. “I try to give back,” she said.

Riley Rising of Sandy Hook also noticed the rain had begun. In the few remaining minutes before the weather turned into a storm that, although brief, would rip down limbs and trees and power lines, he served lemonade and iced tea for the Organic Lemonade and Iced Tea stand. Customer Aidan Finnegan asked for a sample and sipped at a mixture of the tea and lemonade. His drink could easily accompany the biscotti snacks sold at the next table. Business owner Stephanie Schneiderman and her assistant, Jessie Plouffe, offered guests biscotti treats, Tuesday.

Nearby, Kerry Brosnan urged his wife, Andrea, to hurry, as he glanced at the looming weather. The Brosnans and son and daughter, Leo and Olivia, worked quickly to pack up their booth. They represented Newtown-based October Farm Naturals, touting a healthier alternative through chemical-free products. Ms Brosnan suggested living without chemicals, one thing at a time.

According to the Facebook page, the market’s mission is: “to provide the best locally grown and produced veggies, fruit, preserves and farm raised products that [Connecticut] has to offer.” Some of the variety of goods available Tuesdays, from 2 to 6 pm, until the seasons closes, are vegetables, fruit, meat, cheese, baked goods, preserves, fiber, soaps, and lemonade.

For more information, contact mflmf@aol.com.