Farmers’ Market closes for the season. Saturday, Oct 11, 2008

EverythingWestport.com

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Farmers’ Market coordinator Beth Easterly (left) struck the ceremonial bell bringing to a close the Farmers’ Market at the Grange for 2008. It was a bittersweet day for Easterly. “The Market is a demanding activity, but I will miss it this winter.”

The Market’s last day of the year was a sun-filled, splashy, brisk fall day, loaded with the best autumn has to offer. “We had 65 vendors this year,” Easterly said of the Market that enjoyed its second year at the Grange on Main Road in Westport. “They rotated in and out very nicely, giving a diversity of product and produce that kept the Market fresh.”

But Buy Fresh, Buy Local is more than just a slogan; it’s a way of life at the Farmers’ Market. This distribution channel is accounting for more produce and vegetable sales to local communities as the value of locally grown, nutritious food is becoming more important to shoppers.

Read about the formation of Westport’s Farmers’ Market.

Scouts, pumpkins and Gerry Coutinho at Farmers’ Market for Season Finale

The Westport Farmers Market & Craft Fair hosted Westport Scout troops for the last three weeks of this season. Boy Scout pack #63 under the leadership of Ellen Marie Heggland and Paul Tetrault was selling on this Saturday popcorn tins and candy bars to support their many activities (see below, right).

Pumpkin decorating assistance was also available at the Hidden Garden table right in front of the Grange building, and the activity produced some unusual pumpkin carvings (see below, left)).

The familiar figure of Gerry Coutinho of the very much missed Westport Harvest Festival was present selling commemorative items including: Betsy McDonald limited edition prints; high quality t-shirts; glass plates and an assortment of other items. Either as a holiday gift or if you missed something the first time around and want it yourself, these are beautifully made commemorative items.

The newest vendor, Ivy’s Treasures, sold heavenly fudge in about a dozen variations and the best candy apples around made right here in Westport. Ivy’s Treasures, named after her daughter Ivy (see below, second from left), is owned and operated by Leah Doroch. Her quality products were attractively packaged and ready for giving or keeping. Look for the opening of her new shop in November on 1460 Main Road where gift baskets, confections, baked goods and gourmet items will be available on weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Westport Farmers’ Market is a great social destination point!

“Produce is abundant at this time of year as harvests are brought in. Fruit pies, breads, muffins, fresh eggs and jellies as well as potted herbs for your winter kitchen were also available. The holiday season is right around the corner and the Craft Fair was a great place to start. Many residents supported our local economy and got a jump on their shopping while picking up the freshest produce available and beautiful handcrafted items,” Easterly said. The Market is a great venue for meeting the vendors and local farmers, and one can’t deny the appeal of this social interaction. “Thank you so much to our shoppers and vendors for supporting the Westport Farmers’ Market, she said.”

t17 Vendors and volunteers joined in a celebratory season-ending luncheon at the grange at the conclusion of the final day.

For more information, or to participate in next year’s Farmers’ Market, contact Beth Easterly at (508) 636-4427.