Organic Market Every Tuesday––

Midweek Farmer’s Market To Open In Sandy Hook

By Dottie Evans

The first-ever, all-organic farmer’s market will be opening Tuesday, July 22, in the St John’s Church parking lot from 9 am to 1 pm. Some say it will also be the first organic farmer’s market in Connecticut.

Several area farmers will be contributing fruits and vegetables grown without the use of pesticides or insecticides, and others will offer baked goods made from natural ingredients and without the use of chemical preservatives.

Among the contributing vendors will be Shortt’s Farm and The Little Green Barn, both located in Sandy Hook, Warrups Farm, Old Solar Farm, Sacred Organics, City Coffe Café, and Guy’s Eco Garden. Meadowbrook Farm of Shelton will offer pony rides. Market organizer Sue Fellows will be baking, as well.

“Now, organic food shoppers don’t have to go all the way to Danbury. They can come over here on Tuesdays during their lunch hour, or during a morning work break,” said Jaynis Pixley of The Little Green Barn at 4 Washington Avenue.

Jim and Sue Shortt will be bringing broccoli, squash, lettuce, specialty greens, basil, and herbs potted up at their Riverside Road farm. They will also sell food from their farm shelves, including the popular Fiddler’s Farm scone baking mixes and blueberry syrup from Vermont.

“It’s just a start,” Sue Shortt said.

“As the summer goes on and crops ripen, we’ll have a lot more to offer.”

There may also be a more flexible market schedule after a week or so, according to Ms Pixley.

“We might switch around the times a little, maybe have evening openings.”

The Sandy Hook Organic Farm Market will be open every Tuesday from July 22 through October.

Ms Pixley is especially pleased at the organizers’ decision to set a midweek schedule for the event.

“Saturday is already very busy. Most of us have other markets we’re participating in, and we’re scheduled to the max. Tuesdays will be wonderful.”

In addition to fruits and vegetables, the market will offer flowers, baked goods, breads, coffee, and a sandwich café.

Organic wine, made without sulfites that sometimes cause headaches, cannot be sold at the farmer’s market because of state regulations. But they can be purchased at Sandy Hook Wine and Liquors around the corner from St Johns’ Church.

Overflow parking is available at the nearby Villa Restaurant.

Sandy Hook Organic Farmer’s Market is at St John’s Episcopal Church located off I-84, exits 10 and 11 along routes 34 and 6. For more information, call The Little Green Barn at 270-1820, or St John’s Church at 426-9938.