A steady stream of local food, craft goods and accessory
shoppers hit the ground this past Saturday, May 25 at Turning Leaf Drive as the
Windham Farmers Market opened up shop for another summer. Located at the
intersections of Route 302 and River Road, the market is filled to the maximum
of 15 vendors that include seven farms, three local food producers and five
vendors that sale a variety of items comprising of jewelry, birdhouses,
woodcrafts and items designed to improve wellness and elevate your energy to
name just a few.
“We were delighted that customers started to arrive
before our 8:30 opening and the market remained busy until closing time,”
stated Lisa Fischer of the Windham Economic Development Corporation which
oversees the farmers market. “I spoke with several people who were happy to
come back from last year, and several who were coming for the first time.”
Fischer also stated that the farm vendors provide
everything from vegetables, fruits, eggs, angus beef to maple syrup and
essential oil products. One will also find marinara sauces, pestos, whoopie
pies, cured meats and fresh sausage. There is certainly something for everyone.
In addition to adding more vendors to this year’s market,
SNAP/EBT options are now available as well. “We hope to increase people’s
access to fresh, locally raised foods,” Fischer said. “This year our market
accepts SNAP/EBT and offers Maine Harvest Bucks, a bonus for SNAP purchases.”
Another feature is “The Market Bus” which is a program
primarily for the Windham’s senior citizen population, which will provide
transportation to the market every other Saturday. Registration is
required. People who are interested should contact Windham Parks and
Recreation for more information at 207-892-1905.
There will also be a kids’ booth which offers some toys
to play with along with a variety of activities and crafts for kids.
Although you will not find live music every Saturday
morning, last weekend, the shoppers were entertained by the band, “Pond Lilies”.
“We love it when they come to our market and they will be back in August,”
stated Fischer. “We won’t have a band every week. Part of our challenge is
that we have no electricity at the market site for electric instruments and
amplification. The other challenge is that we don’t have a budget to pay
musicians, although we do try to compensate them in other ways We would
love to hear from musicians who might want to play for us.”
Fischer stated that the market is expected to be open every
Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. until October 19th,
weather permitting.
For more information on the market, check out their Facebook
page @WindhamFarmersMarket and on their new website www.windhamfarmersmarket.com.
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