The popular New Canaan Farmers Market is on track to open April 23 in the Lumberyard Lot downtown.
The Board of Selectmen during its regular meeting last week approved the Farmers Market for an Earth Day celebration at launch through November.
Market Master Lexi Gazy told the selectmen “the farmers are ready to come back,” and that offerings will include fresh organic produce as well as vendors offering pies, beef, pork, oysters, clams, orchids, preserves, jams, jellies, honey, raviolis and pickles.
“We are looking forward to a great season,” Gazy said during the March 8 meeting, held at Town Hall and via videoconference. “The new location worked out really well for traffic and parking. People really enjoyed it. Our special events were a hit, so we’re bringing those back.”
Held in years past in the Center School parking lot, the Farmers Market in 2021 was held in the Lumberyard Lot and will return there. The market typically runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
First Selectman Kevin Moynihan and Selectman Kathleen Corbet voted 2-0 in favor of the dates and location. Selectman Nick Williams was absent.
Corbet asked whether the new launch date is a few weeks earlier than last year.
Gazy said yes.
“Before the pandemic we had started in April and it was nice to get out there, stretch our legs,” Gazy said. “The winter markets are kind of getting old because they’re indoors it’s getting warmer, so we are hoping to get everybody’s gardens growing, lettuces and radishes and other greens that they can put in their gardens. Houseplants need to be refurbished and freezers need to be restocked.”
New Canaan’s Patricia Spugani, who helps organize the Farmers Market locally, said “the feedback we’ve got from everybody who came is New Canaan has one of best markets in the area.”
She thanked the town for its support. Ideas for making the Farmers Market at Lumberyard Lot even better include putting some tree planters in and bringing in a small storage truck to keep the signs nearby between weekends.