The first market of the season will take place in June

By Linda Childs

With plans afoot for a June 21 kickoff and at least nine bimonthly Saturday markets to follow, the
Norfolk Farmers’ Market is gearing up for another successful year. Since its inception in September
2006, this lively gathering of produce vendors, musicians, craftspeople and townsfolk has occurred on
the corner of Shepard Road and Route 44 on the site of the former Norfolk Inn. With plenty of parking
and easy access to Route 44, it is an ideal location.
This year, there is absolutely no guarantee that the site will be available. Final architectural plans for
the new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Building were reviewed at the April 24 meeting of the
EMS building committee. Chairman Ted Veling says that bids are ready to go out in May, with special
consideration given to making the component bid packages small enough to attract as many local
contractors as possible.
The committee has been working hard to fulfill the many requirements mandated by the state for a
municipal project of this size, resulting in delays in the anticipated start date. In order for the project to
be completed by the winter of 2008, it will need to begin as soon as possible after contracts are
awarded. Construction is expected to start in June.
This leaves the boys (and girls) of summer gardening season in a bit of a quandary. With the Farmers’
Market field likely to soon be a construction site, where will we find the Chubby Bunny CSA and their
cohort?
The ballfield on Mountain Road and Botelle’s playing fields are being considered as alternative
locations. Use of the Town Green has been requested, but not yet approved by the board of selectmen.
The Norfolk Community Association, which was in large part responsible for the green’s refurbishment
last year, has strongly advised against this option, as newly graded and reseeded areas surrounding the
new sidewalks are deemed too fragile to withstand heavy farm market traffic this year.
For now, the Farmers’ Market subcommittee is proceeding with plans to set up on the corner of
Shepard Road until such time as they cannot. They are also considering the possibility of a market even
earlier than the anticipated start of June 21. Site suggestions are welcome and may be addressed to: The
Farmers’ Market Subcommittee, PO Box 552, Norfolk, CT, 06058.