Summertime at the Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market

Summer begins for me when the lilacs bloom, and their scent fills the air on sunny afternoons. The peas are up, but I become anxious to plant the tomatoes, peppers, and squash. The days are getting longer, and I enjoy weeding the flower garden or sitting out on the lawn in the evening, soaking in the last rays of sunshine each day. As the weather warms, all of my neighbors appear like magic: walking, running, and biking. There is a feeling of lightness, and a smile always just below the surface when the weather becomes sunny and the breezes are warm. In the Islands, summer means music, ice cream, long bike rides, and celebrations!

Long before June arrives, I am ready my favorite part of summer, the Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market! Twice a week, all summer long, I can find fresh fruits and vegetables, delicious breads and pies, great picnic meals, and yummy treats at the farmers’ market. When the long row of tents pops up, and vendors set out their wares, I know that summer has arrived! I can wander down the row, touching beautiful wool and yarns from local sheep, goats, and llamas. I can smell handcrafted soaps and lotions that will smooth out my gardening calluses and be great gifts for summer guests. Unique jewelry, clothing, and other artisan crafts make special gifts and treats for me to take home. Local farmers recommend their favorite varieties of tomatoes, tempt me with fresh asparagus & spinach, or let me sample the first strawberries of the season. I can find cinnamon rolls and scones for my breakfast, fresh pasta and vegetable tarts for dinner, and crusty breads or artisan wraps for lunch. I can even find seeds and seedlings for my garden, just in time for planting. And while I meander from tent to tent, I can visit with all of my neighbors and friends who have come out to the farmers’ market. I hope that I’ll see you there too!

The Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market kicks off the summer season Memorial Day Weekend. The Grand Isle Market held every Saturday at St. Joseph’s Church from 10:00 am-2:00pm, will begin May 29th. The South Hero Market, held every Wednesday at St. Rose of Lima Church from 4:00-7:00pm, will begin June 2nd. Come celebrate summer with us!

Farmers' Market Calendar of Events for the 2010 Summer Season

Saturday, May 29th(G.I)- First market of the season
Wednesday, June 2nd(S. H)- Dairy Day
Saturday, June 6th (G.I)- Dairy Day
Wednesday, June 16th(S.H)- Food Demonstration
Wednesday, July 7th (S.H)- Fiber Day
Saturday, July 10th(G.I)- Open Studio Weekend and NOFA Pizza Oven
Wednesday, July 14th(G.I)- South Hero's market will be in Grand Isle
Saturday, July 17th(G.I)- Anachronism Exhibit and Fiber Day
Wednesday, July 21st(S.H)- Food Demonstrations
Wednesday, August 4th(S.H)- Apple Day
Saturday, August 7th(G.I)- Apple Day
Saturday, August 14th(G.I)- Kids' Day
Wednesday, August 18th(S.H)- Food Demonstration
Wednesday, Sept. 1st(S.H)- ICE Exhibit
Saturday, Sept. 25th(G.I)- Last Market for the summer season

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 9th and 10th Applefest

Seed Starting at the Winter Farmers' Market

Thinking about starting some seeds indoors for your summer garden this year? Not sure when to do it, what you need, or how to start? Join us at the Champlain Islands Winter Farmers’ Market on March 6th for a demonstration on inexpensive, easy ways to give your garden a head start! The Farmers’ Market will have seeds for sale beginning in March and continuing through summer. We’ll give you advice on which seeds to start indoors, which seeds to wait and plant directly in the garden, tips for good germination and sprouting, and information on how to transplant your seedlings into the ground when summer arrives.

As always, there will be delicious hot foods and baked goods, jams, jellies, pickles, artisan crafts, soaps, and much more! Join us at the South Hero Congregational Church on South Street from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm to beat the winter blues!

February 6th- Fight Cabin Fever with a Fiber Celebration at the Farmers' Market

Join us on Saturday, February 5th at the South Hero Congregational Church for spinning demonstrations, drop spindle lessons, knitting, and other fiber arts! Check out the great fibers and fiber arts available in the Champlain Islands! As always, we are your source of great produce, prepared foods, and artisan crafts from the islands. We'll see you there between 10 am and 2 pm!

Join Us on December 5th!

Don't forget to join us at the Winter Farmers' Market this Saturday! There will be fresh autumn produce, yummy prepared foods, hot dishes for lunch, unique crafts, and more! This weekend, we are trying to expand our mailing list, so add your name and email to our list and recieve updates on market schedules and special events. When you join our mailing list, you'll be entered in a drawing to recieve a free market tote bag filled with great market products! In the midst of the holiday season, take a moment to rest at the farmers' market with a cup of coffee and a fresh scone, pick up granola for a quick but special breakfast, stock up on vegetables full of the vitamins you need, and get started on some very special holiday shopping. We'll see you there!

2010 Winter Market Schedule

We are pleased to announce the dates of our upcoming Winter Markets at the South Hero Congregational Church on South Street. We will be there on the first Saturday of every month, plus a couple of extras closer to the holidays. Please Join us from 10 - 2 on the following dates:

November 8
November 22
December 5
December 19
January 2
February 6
March 6
April 3

First Market at St. Rose of Lima

June 3rd is the big day - not only for the first market of the season, but also for our first market ever behind St. Rose of Lima church on Route 2. We hope to see you there!