Branford Alps Farmers Market Wraps Up Inaugural Season

The Branford Alps Farmers Market recently closed up their tent after their first successful season of selling local produce, baked goods and various delicacies to townspeople. As the growing season progressed, leafy greens of late spring were replaced by potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, acorn squash and other hearty root veggies of the summer and early fall.

Market Manager Martha Maguire was enthusiastic about the market’s inaugural season. ​“We’re like a family,” she said. ​“It was a great experience for the community.”

She said a total of 61 vendors took part throughout the summer; some were there every week (there were spots for 16) and others made occasional appearances. In addition, 15 not-for-profits participated.

Medlyn’s Farm of Stony Creek occupied a corner at the right side of the tent every week. ​“We had an excellent season, the best ever,” said Jay Medlyn. ​“We go to reach new customers.” Medlyn’s was a summer holdout: They still had corn and tomatoes!

Food trucks – there were six in all, said Maguire – and various musicians created a festive atmosphere and Maguire said it was quite pleasant even when the sun was setting and the lights in the huge tent went on.

Maguire’s husband, Walter, owns a factory on the former Echlin/Dana property and was instrumental in arranging for the huge tent and its set-up. He has served on non-profit boards and worked with her at meetings before the Planning & Planning Commission, which ultimately approved the project. 

Maguire added that Darlene Zimmermann, who is on the board of the East Shore Health Department, helped her work through the public health part of the market.

She said that the market will be open next year from June to October, probably on the same schedule. ​“The vendors feel supported. They’re pleased with the reception.”

Maguire explained that the produce sold by the vendors must come from their land. A few exceptions are made for fruit, which must be labeled from the originating farm. For instance, if the apples are from Bishop’s in Guilford, they must be labeled as such.

As part of reaching out to the community, market organizers doubled food stamp dollars, $20 per person, per day. Senior FMNP (Farmers Market Nutrition Program) coupons were used primarily by East Haven residents; WIC (Women Infants & Children) coupons were also accepted.

Maguire said the Department of Agriculture, which sponsors FMNP, hasn’t supplied coupons to Branford yet and she hopes that will happen next year. She also wants to send information to families through the schools.

Vendors Comment on Their Experiences

When asked if they planned on returning next year, Quincy Horan of Waldingfield Farms, Washington, replied with an enthusiastic, ​“Oh, yeah!” He was standing before a display that included acorn squashes, fingerling potatoes and other late season offerings. He said he’s definitely coming back next year.

TrueLove Farms of Morris was selling grass-fed pork and beef throughout the summer. ​“It was lots of fun,” said the rep. ​“For the first year, it’s hasn’t been bad. Sometimes good, sometimes slow. It takes a while to get established.”

The market drew substantial crowds at the beginning of the season, but they seemed to taper off a bit as the summer progressed. Vendors were still enthusiastic.

Peter at Northfordy Farm said his biggest seller was the ​“paw-paw,” a fruit native to North America with a mango-banana custard texture.

Beltane Farm has sold its artisanal goat milk cheeses at 17 farm markets around the area, including its third stint at the season finale of the Branford Alps Market. Paul Trubey said they did well to start, but then the traffic tapered off.

Moon Rocks Gourmet Cookies was another regular for the season. Marni Rae-Esposito said the market was ​“amazing, a wonderful experience.” She said the market led to opening a new store in Hamden and a partnership with Savvy Tea, which also was a market regular. ​“The partnership is fantastic,” she said. ​“It doesn’t get any better.” She added that they’ll be back next year.

Oronoque Farms, offering their wide selections of pies and cider donuts, was one of the regulars. Mark Kreitler said the market was one of the best he’s taken part in… ​“the one I enjoy the most.”

Other baked goods, preserves and gourmet delights were present during the summer and craftspeople, including jewelry makers, also had spots; a lending library (“Take a book, leave a book.) was available for kids.

Maguire said vendors interested in taking part in next year’s market can apply through the website, www.managemymarket.com or they can contact her through the Branford Alps Farmers Market website, http://alpsfarmersmkt.org/.

Maguire succinctly wrapped up the experience. ​“I’ve seen a lot of smiles.” 

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