Text by Doug McDevitt
Photo by Bruce Frisch

Imagine a summer morning, leaves on the trees gently rustling as a warm, soft breeze brushes your face and the heat of the sun spreads across your shoulders. The sounds of lively banter and laughter reach your ears, and music lifts your spirit as you find yourself humming along with a tune you haven’t heard in ages. Crowds of people are gathered around numerous tents and tables laden with colorful bottles, baskets and delicacies—a bazaar of sights, aromas and sounds provided by local vendors and farmers. The feeling of a community coming together, reconnecting and living life, envelops you as you enter the space of the Norfolk Farmers Market. 

Two years ago, this was reality, but it has not been since. In 2020, the Norfolk Farmers Market decided not to hold their outdoor markets out of concern for public safety. Instead, it developed a series of online markets that offered something for the community but lacked the feel of the real market. It was a difficult time for everyone, everywhere. As we know all too well, the pandemic has been a disruption to all our lives, and in many ways it seems impossible to imagine returning to normal. The disruption affected the Norfolk Farmers Market in other ways as well. The jobs of the Farmers Market Committee members and market managers changed, and vendors had to find alternative methods for going to market. These factors and Covid-19 uncertainty put the future of the market in question.

Sue Frisch and Libby Borden began the farmers market in 2007, and they hired Lisa Auclair as the market’s first manager. Over the years, the market had grown from four markets a year, with only farmers as vendors, to 16 summer markets and several winter and holiday ones, plus special markets. Also part of the markets were refreshments, live music, free parking, discounts (through Friends of the Market memberships) and vouchers that offered food assistance for those in need. Most importantly, it provided an friendly setting for area residents to gather and interact.

While other area markets such as Great Barrington, Torrington and Collinsville draw more customers and offer larger venues, the Norfolk Farmers Market has maintained its intimate and engaging atmosphere. “We draw from a much larger geographic footprint,” says current market manager Angie Bollard. She and the market staff even offer free set-up service, tents and anything vendors or customers might need, adding to the feeling of community spirit.

Unfortunately, the pandemic hit the market hard, casting serious doubt on whether it would continue. Through many off-season Zoom meetings and discussions, the love of the market and desire to see it continue won out. Showing their commitment and determination, Auclair has decided to remain as chairman of the Farmers Market Committee, and Bollard has adjusted her schedule to stay on as the market manager, with the assistance of the newest member, Judy Kobylarz-Dillard, as the market administrator. 

The farmers market will return to Norfolk Town Hall starting on June 12 and will run through Sept. 11, with 14 markets planned. While they are not out of the pandemic woods quite yet, the Norfolk Farmers Market staff and committee will do their part to bring some normalcy back to Norfolk this summer, with proper Covid-19 precautions in place. 

It takes a community to keep something as special as the market functioning, and the Farmers Market Committee would love help from anyone who would like to volunteer. If you wish to be a part of this dedicated and fun group, or to donate, contact Lisa Auclair at 860-806-3679 or info@norfolkfarmersmarket.org. For an overview of the market, visit the Norfolk Farmers Market on YouTube.