The Hamden Farmers Market Begins Today

Friday is the first day of the season for the Hamden Farmers Market, and this year the market will be bigger than ever.

The Hamden Farmers Market will run every Friday, starting on June 28, until Oct. 4 in Miller Library's lower parking lot. Parking is free and the event is open to all.

This year, the farmers market will be the largest one yet as 25 venders will be participating, according to a press release from the Town of Hamden. Along with food, there are activities for children as well.

"The Hamden Farmers Market provides our residents with access to fresh farm products and also serves as a great opportunity to support local businesses," Hamden Mayor Scott Jackson said in the release. "This outdoor market is one Hamden's finest summer traditions and the addition of Josh's Jungle, our new 7,000 square foot All-Abilities Playground, truly makes Town Center Park a destination for residents and visitors alike."

Local farms participating include:

Flowers From The Farm, Hamden

Flowers from the Farm is a family owned farm, located at 1035 Shepard Avenue right here in Hamden. Michelle will feature fruits and vegetables, plants and flowers, and hormone-free, free-range eggs. Read more about them at www.flowersfromthefarm.org

Borelli Farms, Northford

One of our founding members, Maryann Borelli of Borelli Farms will be back for our seventh season. During the course of the growing season, they will be offering local favorites such as corn, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, pumpkins, onions, peppers and squash.

Amelia’s Greenhouse, East Haven

Amelia and Ralph are returning to the market once again. By use of greenhouses and the distribution of products grown by other Connecticut farms, Amelia prides herself in having a great variety of produce available. Stop by her tent to see her weekly specials.

Tuttle Ridge Farms, Durham

Tuttle Ridge Farms, specializing in organic farming, is joining our market for the first time. They will be offering a variety of organic fruits, vegetables and herbs, all grown pesticide free. To learn more about them, go to www.tuttleridgefarms.com or just stop by their tent and say hi to Bruno.

Specialty food stands and community service booths:

Always a market favorite, Soup Girl is back for another year! Stop by to sample Jessica’s weekly specials every Friday and visit her Hamden store at 1242 Whitney Avenue the rest of the week. While you’re at it, follow The Soup Girl here on Facebook.

Thyme and Season is joining the market this year with a wide array of natural products, all made in Connecticut. They will feature baked goods, syrup, jam, relishes, pasta sauce, pumpkin seeds, dried kale and some fresh produce. They are located at 3040 Whitney Avenue in Hamden.

Goat Boy is no kid. He was one of our founding members in 2007, selling goat milk soaps and lotions. This year Albert will also be selling his popular goat cheese and honey along with weekly specials. Come spend some doe, at least a few bucks.

Aunt Chilada’s, a fixture in Northern Hamden, is joining us for the first time. Come see them for smoothies and other frozen drinks on hot market days. They will also be serving lunch, and selling a variety of their housemade products, including jarred salsa.

Michele’s Pies of Norwalk and Westport is another first time market vendor. Michele and David have been featured on QVC and have two first place finishes in the National Pie Championships. They will be selling both sweet and savory pies in individual or family sizes.

Supporting our great team of vendors will be four community service booths. The Town Tiki Bar, located in the center of the Market, is the place to go for all information about the Market, the Park, and the Town in general. We will be selling reusable shopping bags for only $1. Our promotional giveaways will be handled here as well.

Hamden Youth Services will be at the Market every week with free arts and crafts for children, including a dedicated sidewalk chalk area. Come by for some great activities and learn about all the great programs Hamden Youth Services has to offer.

The Experience Corps Tent is back for another season. This great program matches senior volunteer with K-3 students, especially those who are struggling with reading. Volunteers will be distributing free books for children. If you have a young child, stop by for a free book.

New England Conservation Services will host a booth dedicated to free tips for reducing energy costs and consumption, increasing the viability of renewable energy. They will have a rotating team of organizations manning the booth, so check back each week for new tips, giveaways, and even information on available tax credits.

The mobile food court:

It wouldn’t be summer at the Park without DiSorbo’s Bakery! Louis is back for another season with fried dough, Italian bread and pastries. 

Come for the fresh produce and stay for lunch. Firedog is a full service lunch truck with a great and extensive menu. They will even be there serving breakfast on Friday mornings before the Market opens.

Spuds Your Way is another full service food truck. As the name implies, their specialty is custom prepared baked potatoes, served as you like them. The rest of the week the truck is open for business at the BP gas station on Dixwell Avenue.

Elm City Kettle Corn keeps popping up all over. You will see them at concerts and movies, but you can always get your kettle corn fix at the Market.

Four Flours Bakery had a successful 2012 at the Market and this year promises to be even better. Try out their special chillwiches, a custom-made ice cream sandwich prepared with your choice of freshly baked cookies.

Al Cosenza will be back with his Italian Ice cart every week from 11:30 on. His special flavors go quick so make sure you check him out each week.

Arts and Crafts Vendors:

Bring the Hoopla, featuring handmade hoops. 

The Bead Ladies will be selling bead-decorated crafts. 

Simply Natural Stuff will have great lotions and beauty supplies made with all natural ingredients. 
Pom Pom purses will feature purses, wallets and pillows made from recycled materials. 

Put on a Happy Face will offer face painting. A great way to entertain the kids.

Handcrafted Soaps will be selling premium soap products.

The Vintanthromodern Vintage Boutique Van will be joining us on select weeks, including tomorrow. You have to check out their amazing set up!

For more information, click here.