A Season of Good Things 

By Lisa Bazzano

The farmers market subcommittee of the town’s economic development commission has met many times to reach this happy conclusion: Norfolk will hold a market on the last Saturdays of June, July, August and September from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. Farmers market subcommittee members are Sue Frisch, Libby Borden, Francesca Turchiano and Lisa Bazzano.

The first market will be held on Saturday, June 30, at the corner of Route 44 and Shepard Road, the site of last year’s successful trial. Later markets will be held at the same site or move to the village green.

Meadowbrook has graciously agreed to allow market customers to park their vehicles in its parking lot behind the site.

Each of this summer’s markets will have at least 10 growing/producing vendors of vegetables, cheeses, eggs, jams, plants, flowers and more. Musicians will play, and there will be a few surprises guaranteed to make the Norfolk farmers market a super-satisfying experience.

Subcommittee members have been in contact with area farmers, each of whom will pay $25 per market to the town for space in which to set up their own display tables and tents. If you are interested in being a vendor and have not heard from the subcommittee, please call market manager Lisa Auclair, 860-542-5044, for information.

At each market, not-for-profit organizations from Norfolk and Colebrook may disseminate information and fund-raise, so long as the proposed wares are consistent with state rules governing farmers markets. Only three spaces will be available for nonprofits, so reserve yours early and check in regarding the guidelines by calling Auclair.

A community table, supported by an anonymous grant, will also be available for local residents who do not make a living in agriculture to use; anyone with extra produce can participate. Both nonprofit organizations and people using the community table are encouraged to contribute a nominal portion of their proceeds to the market (10 percent or $25, whichever is less).

At the July market, craftspeople from Norfolk and Colebrook are invited to display and sell their handmade goods. Again, if you’d like to participate, please make a reservation with market manager Auclair. The fee for a space is $25.

Last but not least, the market needs volunteers to help Auclair by directing traffic, answering vendor and customer questions, and taking notes for future market improvements. If you can spare a few hours to help, please call Auclair (860-542-5044).

Smart folks may be marking their calendars right now: June 30, July 28, August 25 and September 29.