May 12, 2008
Farmers market begins May 21 at new location
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Connecticut farmers cannot get enough of you.
Last year, the farmers who make up the Darien farmers market wanted to stay open through December; this year, they want to start selling their fresh produce, meats and desserts a month early.
The 11th annual farmers market, which will begin on Wednesday, May 21, will also move to a new home: the Howard Johnson hotel parking lot at 150 Ledge Road.
“It’s always great to welcome the Connecticut farmers back to Darien,” said Bob Harrel, a former first selectmen, and community organizer of the market. “It’s an opportunity not only to buy some great Connecticut produce but also a great opportunity to renew old relationships with the farmers and see friends and neighbors.”
Harrel, who has been traveling around the country since his term on the Board of Selectmen ended a few years ago, said he’s seen the farmers market movement really take off all over. “The one here in Darien really stacks up nationally. And what makes ours unique in Connecticut is that all our produce is from the state of Connecticut.”
Many of the produce and other items for sale at the market are seasonal.
So each week you can expect to see something new for sale. Harrel said that on the opening Wednesday, Darienites can expect to find fresh lettuce, root crops, Ox Hollow Farm’s all-natural meat, baked goods and more. By the time the market hits its stride in mid-June, there will be 10 weekly vendors.
Harrel was thankful that Darien Hospitality LLC, which owns the hotel, is welcoming the market to its parking lot.
The past two years, the market was behind the Darien firehouse, on Mechanic Street, which right now is full from railroad work staging. Until last year, the farmers market was running from June through November. Now it will run for seven months.
Beginning May 21, the market will be open each Wednesday through December from 11 to 6.
E-mail Darien Times editor Joshua Fisher at editor@darientimes.com.
© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers
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