Organic

Farmers’ Market Opens

By Nancy K. Crevier

With the scent of fresh-popped kettle corn from Bee Kissed Farm and the light notes of Roger Sprung’s banjo-picking drifting out over the crowd, the scene was set for opening day at the Organic Farmers’ Market in Sandy Hook Center, Tuesday, June 26.

Located just behind St John’s Episcopal Church on Washington Avenue, the Organic Farmers’ Market opened with a variety of produce, crafts, and other artisan products.

Stoneledge Hollow Farm in Southbury brought a display of organic eggs and vegetables, cut flowers, jams, jellies, specialty vinegars, and “some winter crafts,” said owner, Jan Perkins, such as the handmade jewelry and other fabric crafts that shared the table.

Bee Kissed Farm in Easton provided jars of honey, of course, and pots of bee balm, as well as the honey-sweetened popped corn that scented the air. Owner Dean Haines said that along with fresh eggs, Bee Kissed Farm would soon have plenty of produce to bring to future Organic Farmers’ Market days.

Bill Pieragostini, from On the Rocks Farm off of Point O’ Rocks Road in Newtown, said he also expects to have a variety of produce soon to accompany the eggs he brought to Tuesday’s market.

A walk around the perimeter of the market found the mouth-watering smell of kettle corn competing with the aroma of warm artisan breads from Smoke ‘n’ Mirrors Farm in Newtown, and tea breads and jumbo cookies from Mamie’s in Roxbury.

 Heaps of crisp, green lettuce and swiss chard, giant radishes, Italian basil, and other organic produce from Shortt’s Farm attracted a number of shoppers, as did the sweet nut-free, wheat-free treats from Gilbert’s Gourmet Goodies.

Also on hand for opening market day was Jennifer Falci of Brookfield. Her business, Handmade By Jennifer, creates matching children’s and doll dresses, sports-fabric ribbon baby blankets, headbands, and other fabric creations.

JoAnn Hornak’s tent featured themed message bottles. The glass bottles can be stuffed with a message of the customer’s choice for nearly any event, or a personal message can be penned and inserted into a decorative bottle. The bottle is then wrapped in tissue and put into a cheerful bag, ready for giving.

Children’s crafts and activities are scheduled for each week, as well, and the June 26 fishing pond activity was a good choice for one of summer’s first hot days.

The Organic Farmers’ Market is open every Tuesday through August from 2 to 6 pm. And if the number of people hurrying to the market space this week is any indication, Tuesday is going to be a busy day on Washington Avenue this summer.