Fresh From Farmers’ Fields And Crafters’ Imaginations—

Take Advantage Of The Season’s Fresh, Local Produce

By Kendra Bobowick

As stalks and limbs grow heavy with summer fruits and vegetables farmers prepare to sell their vivid array of tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, berries, herbs, and more. Locally, two farmers’ markets welcome residents to purchase tomatoes that have never seen a grocery store’s shelves, and corn that comes directly from the grower’s fields, for example.

Opened since June 27 and in business every Tuesday from 2 to 6 pm is the Sandy Hook Organic Farmers’ Market that sets up behind St John’s Church in Sandy Hook Center. The organic market will run through October.

Since it began in 2003, the organic market, organized by Mary Fellows who also runs the Little Green Barn, has grown. She hopes residents will enjoy what she says is a California-inspired market.

Aside from organic and natural goods from local growers and farmers, the market offers vegan-prepared baked goods, crafts, jewelry, cheese, children’s games and activities, and a story time.

In season are squash and corn, and tomatoes will soon be ripe for enjoyment.

Also an attraction this year are the corn dogs sold by St John’s Church member Bruce Moulthrop.

Opening for the first time this season on Sunday, July 9, and for the third year in a row was the Sandy Hook Village Farmers’ Market at 5 Glen Road just past the Red Brick Tavern. The village market — run by Michael Porco of Porco Construction — will be open through mid-September. Organizer Crystal Brenner said that the market has grown since it began several years ago, and is still accepting vendors.

Selling goods and produce Sunday were farmers and crafters alike. Designs by Dana and Designs by Clare offered handmade jewelry displayed by Dana McKinney, and handcrafted materials by Clare Yacashin respectively. The two local women plan to sell their goods weekly until the market closes later this season. Also selling tomatoes, corn, berries, and more Sunday was Vaszauskas Farm of Middlebury.

Other vendors signed up for the village market include Barefoot Diversified that offers jewelry, woodworking and crafts, and Newtown-based Middlebrook Farm and Orchard that offers fruits and vegetables.

Visit www.ct.gov/doag/cwp/view.asp and select the link for Farmers’ Markets listings by county throughout the state.