Opening on June 7 set for old site

By Linda Childs

After months of uncertainty, the Norfolk Farmers Market is on track to begin and end the 2008 growing season right on Shepard Road. The Selectmen have approved use of the familiar corner site at the corner of Rt. 44, until construction of the new Emergency Services building begins. The plan must be formally approved at a regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission on June 10. When it becomes necessary to relocate, the market will move across Shepard Street to the Fire Department’s back lot. Farmers Market Manager Lisa Auclair says that she and the entire Farmers Market Committee are “beyond thrilled” at the Fire Department’s generous offer. When the shift across the street is made, parking accommodations and signage will remain essentially unchanged, ensuring continuity and a minimum of disruption for both buyers and sellers. The committee is introducing a bonus market on June 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., two weeks earlier than originally anticipated. Because it is so early in the growing season, the vendors on opening day will be roughly half the total who will be on hand as the summer progresses. Among those returning are Chubby Bunny Farm, the Organic Herb Barn, Wayne Jenkins, Rustling Wind Creamery, Pittsfield Rye & Specialty Breads, Chez Mon Us Llamas and Terry Anstett, offering maple syrup. Those with crafts will include John Manikowski, knife maker and sharpener, and Jutta Cords and Dina Shaw, who will be offering jewelry. Vendors interested in joining the market can contact Lisa Auclair at 542-5044. The “Backyard Farmers” table, generously underwritten by an anonymous donor, will be available for anyone with surplus eggs, flowers, berries and vegetables to sell. In addition, three spaces will be set aside free of charge for community organizations wishing to set up tables to advertise their initiatives. With the summer market in full swing, there will be organized children’s activities, music by Andy Styles and “farm-to-chef” cooking demonstrations organized by CTGROWN. Shoppers straining with their market bags filled with local goods and produce can stop by Dina Shaw’s sitting massage chair and treat themselves to a dollar-a-minute massage. Throughout the season, Norfolk Now will run a full page farmers market insert with a preview of what to expect on alternate Saturdays in that month.