Fresh vegetables and other local goods will once again be available to residents following the opening of the Norfolk Farmers Market on June 2.
Open Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Norfolk’s town common, the farmer’s market will offer fresh produce, locally raised meats, cut flowers, specialty baked goods and handmade crafts. The market will run through October 6.
This is the third season for the market, said Zach Ziegler, the market coordinator. Previously held on Fridays during the late afternoon, customers recommended the move to Saturday mornings.
“Friday evenings were hard for most working families to make it to the market,” said Ziegler.
Customers this year will find produce from Elmhurst Farm in Norfolk, Medway Community Farm, and Ziegler’s Market Garden in Norfolk. Meat will also be available from Elmhurst Farm, which raises chicken, beef, and pork.
Ziegler said the market’s foot traffic has increased each year, along with the diversity of vendors. Look for handcrafted soaps from MDS Soapworks, natural skin care products, flowers from Art’s Cut Flowers, and locally made jewelry. An artist will offer henna body art.
Community groups and performance artists are encouraged to join the market, said Ziegler, adding to the small festival atmosphere.
“Our market is special because it is still a very down-home, grassroots market, and is a good place to casually shop and enjoy some outdoor time on the beautiful town common,” he said.
Envisioned as a one-stop shopping destination for residents, Norfolk’s farmers market also provides a place for farmers to sell their crops in a spirit of collaboration. It can be a win-win for both groups.
“Shopping at farmers markets helps support a more robust local economy,” explained Ziegler. “When you spend money at a farmers market, that couple of dollars actually stays in the community and helps local businesses to thrive, rather than going to a distant corporation or box store headquarters.”
He adds, “It also creates a space for community to gather, and it’s a fun way to get to know more people in town.”
The Norfolk Farmers Market is still accepting new vendors. For more information, email [email protected].
Issue Date:
June, 2018
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