Fresh Food, Live Music and Local Vendors

Celebrating its third year, the Higganum Village Farmers' Market will open for the season on Friday, June 3rd. The market will run through October 28th and will be open for a “3 Hour - Fresh Food - Happy Hour” every Friday from 3:30pm to 6:30pm on the Higganum Village Green.

A Market Board plans and organizes the market details throughout the year as well as running it during the season. The board consists of five Haddam moms, referred to as "market goddesses", plus a host of volunteers that make things happen.

Deb Umba,Project Manager, is always looking for ways of promoting the market including a newsletter, market website and even on Facebook. 

 "Facebook has been instrumental in providing contacts for the market", Umba says. "We have a growing list of people who visit our market each week in the summer, and these loyal visitors have made us a destination of choice in the busy tourist season, too. However, we've got such loyal patrons right here in our own town."

In addition, she boasts, "we ranked number five out of all the state's farmers' markets last year!

This year, the market will feature a host of vendors, fine foods and select craftsmen. Market Manager, Gail Reynolds, says  "we have gathered a unique group of farmers and vendors to provide fresh, local produce, honey, maple syrup and other artisanal creations to meet the needs of our shoppers."

Umba encourages people to learn more about the benefits of farmers' markets. "When you come to the market", she says, "you get to know the farmer who plants the seeds, who grows and harvests the crops and bring that edible abundance each week to our market. When you purchase food from a farmers' market, it doesn't come in plastic wrap, off the back of a truck, thousands of miles away. Chances are, it came from less than 20 miles away. Chances are, you know that farmer, too."

The market is not only about fresh food, it's also about the camaraderie and connections. Reynolds says,  "our planned events and entertainment will complement our farmers and vendors."

This friday, for example, musical guests  The Garden of Beats!  will perform "bright, eclectic, fun and funky all around toe tapping musical selections."

Other planned events for the season include:

An appearance by chef and author Emily Brooks on June 17th to discuss her book, Connecticut Farmer and Feast: Harvesting Local Bounty. The book will be available for purchase and she will be autographing copies.

Bicycle Friday on July 8th, will offer a market-sponsored bike clinic and a best decorated bike event for the kids.

“The Dog Days of August" on August 5th will include special treats for dog lovers. All dogs are required to be on leashes and cleaned up after.

 “Goin’ Green on the Green” is currently scheduled for August 19thand will highlight local, eco-friendly businesses and artisans. “FreeCycle” moderators will be on hand at the “Give Away” tent to exchange one good item for another in an effort to cut down on items brought to the dump.

Other events include a  “Scouting Muster”  on September 16th and "Trails Day" on October 7th with interactive groups demonstrating equipment and great places to take a hike, in and around Haddam. There is even an All Hallows Eve-themed final market of the season day on October 28th.

For additional information, visit their website.