| JANUARY 21, 2011 -- Farmers' markets are no longer only for the warmer months as many throughout Connecticut -- including Fairfield County -- are extending their operations through the winter.
"It's to drive home the need for our communities to shop local and keep your money at home," said Lori Cochran Dougall, a marketing professional, who this summer took over as manager of the Westport Farmers' Market after moving to Easton from Jackson Hole, Wyo. "You walk away with this good feeling that you can't get fromStop & Shop."
Dougall extended the farmers' market, which has been held from April through November for the past five years at Westport's Imperial Lot, to December through March in a greenhouse at Gilbertie's Herb Gardens, 6 Sylvan Lane, in Westport.
"I took the concept to the town and they said to go for it," said Dougall, who strived to create the ambiance of an English greenhouse cafe at Gilbertie's. "In England, they turn greenhouses into cafes in the winter."
The market, which is held Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., features seven farmers from Connecticut offering produce and other goods. The weekly event also has food from area eateries, such as Le Farm and Dressing Room in Westport and Catch a Healthy Habit in Fairfield.
"The first two markets reached about 500 attendees," said Dougall, adding that seating is available. "I think people are craving eating healthy right now."
Other winter farmers' markets in Fairfield County include the Norwalk Indoor Farmers' Market, at 61-65 Wall St., in Norwalk, and The Winter Market at Norfield Grange, at 12 Good Hill Road, in Weston, on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A Georgetown Winter Market is held Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gilbert & Bennett Elementary School on New Street in Wilton.
Winter farmers' markets, which are held in other New England states, have taken place in Connecticut for about five years as farmers look to supplement their incomes and towns try to support them yearround, said Bill Duesig, executive director of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut.
"There are many things farmers grow for summer sales that keep well so they can be sold through the winter," he said. |
