The swimming pools are open, the fireworks are winding down, and the weather is hazy, hot and humid. That can only mean one thing: it’s time for the local Farmers Markets to open! While offering the best of locally grown fresh fruit and produce, these weekend markets also offer such varied fare as flowers and plants, honey, kettle corn, crafts, jellies, jams and breads, as well as offering patrons the opportunity to grab a bite to eat while listening to some great entertainment. This year, the Meriden market will also have a second location open on Thursday afternoons. Whether you’re looking for that perfect ear of corn, a new centerpiece for your dining room table, or a gift made by one of the many local craftsmen, you’ll surely be able to find what you’re looking for at either one of these amazing local markets!
Here’s the vital info you need to know:
Wallingford Gardeners Market
When: Saturdays, July 13th – September 14th, 2013
Where: Johanna Fishbein Park (Railroad Station green)
Time: 9:00am – 12 Noon
Contact Person: Liz Landow, 203-284-1807
Vendors for the 2013 Season:
- Farmer Joe’s Gardens – vegetables, fruit, honey, syrup, baked goods, beef, pork, cheese. Joe and Ida DeFrancesco info@farmerjoesgardens.com – all 10 weeks –
- Wade Elmer – “Elmer’s Acres”- cut flowers, honey, & birdhouses. – all 10 weeks –
- JC Farms – Alfonso Caturano – Vegetables, fruit, flowers. – all 10 weeks –
- Theresa & Mickey Wells – Little Portion Acres, Cheshire. Veggies & flowers.
-all 10 weeks – - The Local Catch – Richard Cook, Charlestown, RI – Whole & filleted round & flat fish, squid, skate, smoked fish, scallops, shellfish, crabmeat, and crab.
– 10 weeks – - For Old Time’s Sake – Shirley Lagerstrom – Flower arrangements, produce
– 7 weeks – - Milk ‘n Chick Farm – Tracy & Paul Barzewski – So. Curtis St., Wallingford
Baked goods, veggies, jams, & salsa 
Cottage Garden Creations – Esther Kopylec – flowers – 3 weeks – July 13, 20, & 27.- Jerri Cacace – Basil & tomato plants, jewelry. -3 weeks- July 13, 20, & 27.
- Daytime Gardeners of North Haven – Eleanor Harple – Cut flowers & plants. – July 13 only –
- George Wooster – Garden Stones. – all 10 weeks-
- Sue Haag – Lovely Lathers – Handmade soaps and balms. www.facebook.com/LovelyLathersHomemadeSoaps – 8 weeks – July 13, 27, Aug. 3,17, 24, 31, Sept. 7, 14.
- The Garden Party – Garden décor, tools. thegardenparty@sbcglobal.net
-6 weeks – July 13, 17, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24. - The Dry Dock – Breakfast sandwiches. – 10 weeks –
- Elizabeth’s Bakery – baked goods – all 10 weeks.
- DW Catering – Baked goods, stuffed breads. David Walker dwcatering@sbcglobal.net -10 weeks-
- Cat’s Sunshine Cafe – Catherine Hubbell – Fresh fruit & veggie smoothies, baked goods- 10 weeks.
- Mary Ann Simmons – Baked goods, jams & jellies – 8 weeks – all except Aug. 17 & 24.
- Nancy Scilipote – Pottery. nscilipote@att.net – 10 weeks –
- Works of Heart – Beth Hulsizer – Photography – 10 weeks –
- Melanie’s Glass Garden – Glass plate flowers – Melanie Baribault -7 weeks
Diane Bradley – “The Homemaker” – Assorted crafts, hand sewn and hand painted items. thehomemakerdiane@gmail.com -6 weeks- July 13, 27, Aug. 3, 10, Sept. 7 & 14.- Crafts by Lisa – Lisa Catala – kitchen towels, glass blocks, tote bags, scarves, key chains – 4 weeks – July 20, Aug. 10, 17, Sept. 14.
- Sweeney -Make your own jewelry – 10 weeks –
- Toni’s Trinkets – Toni Wood – Jewelry. – 9 weeks- all except Aug. 24.
- JCarla’s – Janice CoFrancesco – Jewelry – 6 weeks – July 13, 27, Aug. 10, 24, Sept. 7, 14.
- Beads & Bulbs – Joan Hamel – Jewelry, ornaments, dog collars. – 2 weeks – July 13, Aug. 10.
- M&M Crafts -Marie Gibbons – Jewelry, scarves, dog beds. – 2 weeks- July 20, Aug. 3.
- Rx Medical Massage – www.facebook.com/RxMedicalMassageTherapy
– 10 weeks – - Psychic Readings – Jessica Evans – 296 No. Colony Rd, Wallingford. – 10 weeks-
- St Paul’s Episcopal Church -The Rev. Dee Anne Dodd – Info on programs, tote bags – 3 weeks – July 13, Aug. 17, Sept. 7.
Meriden Farmers Market
Location #1: MidState Medical Center commuter parking lot
When: Thursdays, July 11 – September 26th, 2013
Time: 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Contact Info: See full list here
Vendors at this location:
Gotta’s Farm- Beckett Farms
- Nana’s Ice Cream Truck
- OmNomNom Jams & Jellies
- The Waffleman
- Whimsical Olive Branch
- Meriden Health Department (Info booth)
- MidState Medical Center )Info booth)
Location #2: 44 Colony Street parking lot (next to First Congregational Church
When: Saturdays, July 13th – October 26th, 2013
Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Vendors at this location:
Gotta’s Farm- Beckett Farms
- Casertano’s Greenhouse
- OmNomNom Jams & Jellies
- Christian Pentecostal Church
- Sisters’ Kitchen
- Gemini Hawk’s Nest
- Arc Eatery
- See a full list of other participating vendors here.
Support our local communities and pick up the freshest produce around, be sure to visit one or both of these markets this Summer!