Barbecue is on the menu, along with other items from vendors selling prepared foods - something new this year at the Farmers Market at Fairfield Hills. Economic Development Director Betsy Paynter said that recent zoning changes and a nod from the Newtown Health Department will now allow the food additional sales.

"The objective is to provide a wide variety of vendors, so [guests] have a full experience, can bring something home for dinner, or feed the children while at the market," Ms Paynter said.

Many returning vendors include farmers with their vegetables, herbs and flowers for sale, as well as baked goods, pies and essential oils.

This year's market, set up at 3 Trades Lane, will open on Tuesday, June 28. The market will run Tuesdays from 2 to 6 pm, through October.

Sue Shortt has stepped this year into the role of market master, taking over for Mary Fellows, who launched the farmers market in Sandy Hook in 2003 and continued to serve as its master through the end of the 2015 season.

"We're trying to keep it as local as we can," said Ms Shortt.

With more to offer this year, Ms Shortt said, "We are excited for it and I think it will be a good season." Some of the farmers' produce "will be a little late because of an early cold snap, but hopefully it will go well," she said.

Food vendors include Hog Wild BBQ out of Newtown and Aquarion Caterers, run by resident Pam Buchler, offering healthy prepackaged dinners, baked goods, vegetarian meals using local and organic ingredients, including those from her own garden.

Ms Shortt is pleased to welcome Ferris Acres Creamery, also.

"I don't know if they're scooping or just selling pints," Ms Shortt said, but the Sugar Street dairy farm will be a welcome addition to the market.

Fryborg, a food truck vendor out of Milford, is preparing hand-cut fries and different "cool" dipping sauces, and other menu items, she said.

Another vendor out of Newtown, doTerra, will be selling essential oils this season.

La Dolce Vita confections of Newtown will have a space alongside Oronoque Farms of Shelton, tempting market guests with homemade pies.

With the exception of some nonprofits setting up informational booths, "that's what this year will offer," Ms Shortt said.

The market is off the main entrance to Fairfield Hills near Newtown Municipal Center. For additional information, visit the market's Facebook page.

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