Organic Farmers’ Market Opens For The Season

By Nancy K. Crevier

Despite schools still being in session and weather that could not decide between rain or shine, Sue Shortt of Shortt’s Farm and Garden Center said that she was pleased with the turnout on the first day of the Sandy Hook Organic Farmers’ Market, Tuesday afternoon, June 23.

A steady stream of shoppers at the market’s new venue, the grounds of Lexington Garden on Church Hill Road, browsed the array of greens, herbs, and other early summer vegetables at the Shortt’s Garden tent, and made their way to other vendors set up in a circle just off of the large parking lot.

Organic Farmers’ Market organizer Mary Fellows said that she was excited by the number and variety of vendors taking part in the weekly event, held from 2 to 6 pm each Tuesday, from now until October, and was appreciative of the assistance from Lexington Garden manager Brett Thomas that allowed the market to move from its old home behind St John’s Episcopal Church on Washington Avenue to a more central location.

“Sandy Hook and St John’s have been such a huge support for the past six years, and if it weren’t for them, the market would not have come to Newtown,” said Ms Fellows. “We thought we would ‘migrate’ for the convenience of the whole town,” she said. A more central location, added Ms Fellows, makes it easier for shoppers to combine errands.

Returning vendors on June 23 included Bittersweet Ridge out of Roxbury; Middle Brook Farm from Newtown; Gilbert’s Goodies from Sandy Hook; SuperSeedz of Newtown; Waldingfield Food Company of Washington, Conn.; The Olive Oil Company from Watertown; Stoneledge Hollow Farm, Southbury; and Beldotti’s Breads, Stamford. From farm-fresh eggs to quilted aprons, to glistening jams, tart lemonade, and crusty breads, not to mention the first of the season’s produce, the market put its best foot forward to draw in the crowd.

North Winds Farm Lavender from Pawling, N.Y., joined the lineup on Tuesday afternoon. Lavender products including jellies, soaps, sachets, stuffed teddy bears, essential oils, candles, and even lavender French bread sticks and scones, are all made from organic lavender grown on the family farm and created by owners Ellen and Matt Taylor.

Bambi, the Nigerian Dwarf goat, greeted shoppers at Kelly’s Kreations. She is one of six female goats owned by Seymour resident Kelly Nastri. Kelly’s Kreations specializes in soaps made from goats’ milk and natural ingredients. On sale this week were amber, lilac, northwoods, and oatmeal soaps.

Krazy for Kazu’s Dressing is a line of sauces and salad dressings made by Falls Village resident Kazu. The manufacturing plant for the Ginger Dressing, American Ponzu Dipping Sauce, and Stir Fry and Barbecue Sauce is in Millbrook, N.Y. Only fresh ingredients go into the products, said Kazu. The American Ponzu Dipping Sauce is a citrus and soy sauce-based dressing that is very flexible, he said. By adding sesame oil, it becomes a delicious dressing for greens. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for fish, meats, or dumplings. Krazy for Kazu’s Dressing hopes to be at the market each week.

Another newcomer to the market this year is Leafy Hearts Everywhere, owned by Mary Macnamara of Newtown. Leafy Hearts specializes in terrariums, fairy houses, and nature gifts. “We’re excited to be here,” said Ms Macnamara. Leafy Hearts Everywhere will make terrariums and fairy houses to order, will deliver, and also offers terrarium parties for children.

Stone’s Throw Farm of Bethel had a display of fresh vegetables available for purchase Tuesday afternoon, with more on the way as the summer progresses.

New to the market this year, as well, but not new to Newtown, was American Artisan Bakery. Sandy Hook owner/baker Andy Corson fires up the ovens in the basement of St John’s Episcopal to make the award-winning cookies, scones, and other baked goods that he offered to customers this week. Tempting cupcakes were topped with fresh berries, and a variety of muffins caught the eyes of several shoppers passing by.

Ms Fellows was encouraged by the number of shoppers arriving early on in the afternoon, but urged the community to support the Organic Farmers’ Market on a regular basis. “It’s nice to say ‘I have a market in Newtown,’ but it’s more important to come,” said Ms Fellows. “We need to get out and support the vendors.”

The Sandy Hook Organic Farmers’ Market is held every Tuesday, 2 to 6 pm, from June through October, off of the parking lot at Lexington Garden, Church Hill Road. It features locally grown produce, natural baked goods, and handcrafted products. For more information call 203-313-9908.