Farmers' Market Debuts Next Weekend

It started out last summer as a farmers' market, like many of the others in the region.

But Melissa Guarnieri, organizer of the Waterford Farmers' Market, said it's become a community event that in 2010 drew an average of 200 people each Saturday between July and October.

The market will debut this year at the Town Hall parking lot June 25 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

"We've already had people asking when it's starting," Guarnieri said.

The market features six growers from around the region, including two from Waterford - Fog Plain Gardens and Hunts Brook Farm. Early on Guarnieri said customers could expect farmers to sell swiss chard; corn on the cob; basil; cilantro; dill; radishes; heads of lettuce ; salad greens; garlic scapes; cucumbers; sugar snap peas and other items.

Guarnieri said all participating farmers take a pledge to only sell items grown on their farms and not supplement with items from outside farms.

Also, senior farmers' market vouchers from the state will be accepted.

Those who attend are encouraged to ask farmers about organic foods and locally grown produce.

"They are all passionate about what they do and enjoy passing on tips and advice, and recipes to their customers," Guarnieri said. "The atmosphere of passion and commitment to the local environment and economy was something we set out to create and showcase at the market."

In addition to local produce, local honey, soap and crafts will be available.

Bean & Leaf Coffeehouse from New London will be serving coffee.

For more information visit www.waterfordfarmersmarket.org.

View theday.com's map of Local Farmers' Markets