'So Good To See People Out': Fairfield Farmers Market Returns

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Fairfield Farmers Market was back Sunday morning on Sherman Green, and people appeared thrilled to see its return.

“I like patronizing these hard-working small businesses,” said Patty Eilenberg, of Fairfield.

Eilenberg comes to the market regularly with her husband, Peter.

“It’s so close to our house,” he said. “But mostly it’s so good to see people out.”

As everyone enjoyed the sunny day — some with dogs in tow, and many with children, strollers or just lots of shopping bags — the sense of warm-weather community was palpable, even among the vendors themselves.

“It’s kind of like the first day of sleep-away camp, seeing all my friends again,” explained Danielle LeBlanc, owner of Norwalk-based Cloudy Lane Bakery, one of the many vendors returning to the market.

While the Fairfield Parks and Recreation Department has always hosted the event on the green, this is the first year that it is handling its full-time operation.

“This is actually one of the best locations,” said Allie Miller, who works with Two Guys from Woodbridge, which is based out of Hamden. “It’s in the center of town, on the green and in the shade.”

The range of 20 or so vendors offers everything from fresh produce, fruit, special meats, dairy and olive oil, to coffee, kombucha, maple syrup and dog treats. There were also services available, such as knife sharpening, along with specialty items like herbal tinctures, candles, soap and much more.

“I love this market,” said Dylan Hoy, general manager for The Whole Catch, a fish market that brings its goods down from Point Judith, Rhode Island, for the sale.

“It’s a blast every year,” he said. “Everybody is so friendly.”

The market, which runs through Oct. 3, is open rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays.