NORWAY — The Norway Farmers Market kicked of its fifth season last Friday at the Alan Day Community Garden (ADCG). It will run will run every Friday through Aug. 30, from 5-8 p.m.
On opening night, 10 vendors were on hand, selling a variety of nutritious local foods as well as crafts.
Along with supporting farms that produce fresh food for the community, the market presents programs that help extend customers’ values.
Managed by the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets, Harvest Bucks are once again available through SNAP/EBT. For every dollar customers use from SNAP/EBT they earn a dollar back in Harvest Buck vouchers to buy more fruits and vegetables while at the market.
Kids can also cash in while at the market.
“We have the Power Produce Club,” said Annie Kern, programs manager for ADCG. “When kids participate in activities they earn vouchers they can use to buy their own produce.”
Manned by volunteers, the kids’ tent is open during regular market hours. Activities vary from drawing and painting to introduction to fiber arts and other crafts. Now kids will learn how to be their own consumers of fresh, healthy food.
Friday evening traditions continue this season – with live music and wood-fired pizza served by donation. Pizza, baked using ingredients from local markets and producers, will be served by the slice instead of the order.
“This way, customers will be able to try more options and different toppings,” said ADCG Executive Director Rocky Crockett. “People no longer have to place their order, but will be able to eat as much or little as they want. We believe that this will better provide the community meal experience we intend to support, rather than a restaurant-style ordering system.”
Weekly live music starts tomorrow night, with a performance by James Rice. Isuken Food Truck also returns this week, offering a homemade Somali-Bantu menu, all made from locally grown ingredients.
Producers this year include:
Kittridge Brook Farm, West Paris
Beef, poultry, pork, and eggs
A Wrinkle in Thyme, Sumner
Yarn and wool products
Timberwoods Farm, South Paris
Mushrooms and produce
Born Yesterday, Bethel
Sourdough breads and baked goods.
Baker Hill Bees, Waterford
Honey, and honey-based products, and gluten-free baked goods
New Spoke Farm, West Paris
Produce
Mother Tree Cooperative, Bethel
Cut flowers
Gould Acres, Stow
Produce, eggs, and meat
Fertile Ground Apothecary, Norway
Tinctures and herbal remedies
Patch Farm, Denmark
Produce, pasture-raise pork and poultry
Crockett said a few other vendors will cycle in and out week-to-week, and there is always room for more to join. “We are not charging table fees to participate,” he said.
Vendor applications may be downloaded from the Norway Farmer’s market webpage. www.alandaycommunitygarden.org/norway-farmers-market
With up to 200 or more people expected to attend and little space for vehicles, Crockett asks people plan ahead and use parking at Longley Square, behind Fare Share market, on Main Street or along the right side of Deering Street.
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