Fresh local farm market opens in New Auburn

AUBURN — A fresh and local food market is opening in New Auburn.

The “4 Season Farm Market” had a soft opening at the end of April and are ramping up for their grand opening which might be held on Mother’s Day.

Auburn farmers Kathy Shaw and Joe Gray of Valley View Farm set up shop at the corner of Mill and Third streets, across from the Pontbriand’s Hardware building.

“Our emphasis is on fresh, local food,” Shaw said while weighing bags of fresh-grown spinach.

Beet greens, garlic, arugula and spinach are currently being picked from their high-tunnel greenhouse. Radishes, leeks and kale should be ready in another week, Shaw said.

Chicken, duck and quail eggs are available, along with pasture-raised meat, potatoes and tomatoes.

Shaw has made contacts from participating in the growing Maine farm market scene and will offer items from those contacts as the store gets up to speed.

“We will have something different all the time,” Shaw said.

Fresh milk, yogurt and cheese from Winter Hill farm in Freeport to fresh baked bread on Saturday mornings to coffee from Crossroads Coffee Beans in Gray will be for sale.

Shaw plans to offer homemade soups and stews as well.

The market will be open year-round. “That’s the plan right now,” Shaw said.

The market’s hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.

: Lucia Weinhardt of New Gloucester and Kathy Shaw of Auburn chat in front of the “4 Season Farm Market” in New Auburn. Shaw and her husband, Joe Gray, are owners of Valley View Farm and decided to open the year-round market this spring.

: Shae Morin and Tommy Castellano, both of Lewiston, shop at the “4 Season Farm Market” in New Auburn. Items made by Maine crafters as well as fresh local foods are for sale at the market.

: April Foley of Auburn looks at a handmade scarf at the “4 Season Farm Market” in New Auburn. Foley owns a neighboring shop, Titanium Skin Design.