By Sarah Gruen
As the weather gets warmer and summer draws near, Weston’s annual summer Farmers Market is preparing for a season full of old favorites and new surprises. The market, which emphasizes seasonality and local goods, will open on Saturday, June 16th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Weston Historical Society on Rte 57 at High Acre Road. Whether one is in the market for apple pie or bath and beauty care, the Weston Farmers Market is a hub for all things artisan.
This year, the market will feature a variety of new family-oriented activities. On opening day, members of the Weston Volunteer Fire Department will be on hand with a fire truck from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and there will be a craft station where kids can make sand art and farm-oriented picture frames. Children will also try their hand as vendors through a kid-operated lemonade stand, the proceeds of which will go to local Weston charities. Another addition to the market this year is the opening of a café-type sitting area on the new terrace of the historical society, where visitors can enjoy coffee and baked goods from Michelinas Bakery.
Of course, the Farmers Market would not be complete without its vendors. Returning once again this year is Blackbird Baked Goods, with its famous pies that tend to sell out each week. Anita Designs will be selling linens, aprons, and placemats, while the Aspetuck Valley Apple Barn displays fresh produce, jams, and donuts. Geremia Gardens and Farms of Southington is also coming back to the market with its selection of produce and plants. LakeView Orchards, Vasauskas Farm, and Warrups Farm will sell a wide array of locally grown produce, while Waldingfield Farm will offer organically grown fruits and vegetables from Washington, Connecticut. Maureen Fay is also a returning vendor with her beautiful bouquets of fresh cut flowers.
"We are so excited for this year's Farmer's Market,” said Stacey Tucker, President of the Weston Women’s League which operates the Farmers’ Market each summer. “We have wonderful new additions to our already amazing line-up of vendors plus fun for kids and adults that will make you want to stay awhile. Looking forward to seeing you there!"
New vendors this year include Weston’s own Whipped Up Creations, which will be selling raw cookie dough that requires no baking and is safe to eat. Another new vendor who is familiar to Weston, though not to the summer Market, is Nod Hill Soap, who previously sold bath and beauty products at the Norfield Grange Winter market. Like Nod Hill Soap, Kareen Kanaga also sold at the Grange and will now be vending her candles and jewelry at the Weston Farmers Market. Finally, another new vendor will be a part of this year’s Farmers Market—though their goods are not for humans. Molly and Murphy All Natural Irish Dog Biscuits will be selling homemade dog biscuits that are “from premium all natural ingredients and [are] baked daily to ensure freshness.”
The addition of new vendors, along with the added sitting area for coffee and baked goods, will make for a more interactive and novel Farmers Market experience. Whether you’re coming by to try out new goods or returning to pick up known favorites, one cannot argue that the Weston Farmers Market is a part of the heart of Weston. With the support of the town behind it, the Farmers Market is ready for a fantastic season filled with delicious food, interesting goods, and, most of all, a sense of community.
The Weston Farmers Market has been operated by the Weston Women’s League for more than twenty years as a community service and fundraiser for Weston charitable organizations. Proceeds from the vendor rental fees are distributed to Weston Senior Services, Weston Warm-Up Fund, ; and used to build Thanksgiving baskets for Weston Social Services. For more information, visit westonwomensleague.org.
