Granby Farmers Market Enjoying a Successful First Year

From Eugenia Drake, Granby Farmers Market manager

With the inaugural season well under way, the Granby Farmers Market, located at the at 97 Salmon Brook Street in Granby, is a huge success.

Market organizer Alicia Newton, nutritionist for area YMCAs in the region, had envisioned a farmers market for the past year, and now that vision has come to life. With help and support not only from the YMCA, but also from a host of volunteers and dedicated committee members, the market springs to life every Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

People from the surrounding areas are able to find local, fresh food, get to know the farmers and feel good about what they are serving their families, all while supporting the community.

Holding the farmers market at the YMCA is in alignment with its mission of creating a sense of community, healthy lifestyles, youth development and social responsibility. Market hours are held on Tuesdays during the YMCA's youth summer camp at the Granby location. Day campers are educated about healthy food choices, have an opportunity to try new foods, talk with the farmers and merchants and participate in Market activities.

“The kids do not go on field trips on Tuesdays, and parents have to come pick them up at the facility.” Newton said. “At that time of day, parents are thinking about what they are going to have for dinner. Our market will provide a place for them to get everything they need.”

Healthy eating does not have to be difficult or complicated. That is why the concept of one-stop shopping and promoting nutrition are driving forces behind the market.

“Sometimes, parents are turned off if they can only get so much at the market and still have to go to the grocery store, Newton said. “I wanted to have people be able to come here and get a full meal for their families.”

Usually boasting more than 14 farms and specialty vendors, that concept has been fulfilled. Market shoppers can purchase fruits, vegetables, beef, poultry, a selection of dairy products, maple products, jellies and jams as well as baked goods, salsa and chips and then flowers for the table.

To assist families with what to do with the items they purchase, each week the market provides healthy recipes for meals. Area chefs are also slated to perform cooking demonstrations, using market ingredients, and food sampling throughout the season and these recipes are also made available.

While perusing all the wonderful fresh items the vendors have to offer, visitors can pick up a nice refreshing Italian ice or raw organic smoothie, have the children enjoy some activities like themed arts and crafts or an obstacle course and enjoy talented local entertainment.

Have a bicycle that needs tuning or repaired? Stop by and visit the mobile bike repair tent. Interested in Sci-fi, comics or action heroes? Come talk with Free Lunch Studios. Visit Barefoot Books and Honey Hill Pottery for that special gift for yourself, your child, friend or your home. Need to relax or unwind or just had a tough work out? Enjoy a back massage provided by Back in Touch Wellness Center. The Granby Farmers Market truly has something to offer for everyone.

The Granby Farmers Market operates every Tuesday through September 11 and runs from 3 p.m.  to 6:30 p.m. The Market is open to the public and is located near the front entrance to the Farmington Valley YMCA, 97 Salmon Brook Street in Granby. Season sponsors include Granby Pharmacy and Simsbury Bank. Weekly sponsors include Apple Tree Learning Centers in Granby and East Granby. In addition to its sponsors, CES (Creative Encompassing Solutions) and Fatty's Ski and Boards have provided special services such as marketing and promotional materials.

For more information on the market, to become a sponsor or to volunteer, visit our website at www.granbyfarmersmarket.com. The website provides information on special happenings at the market, brief bios and pictures of participating Famers, as well as Vendor and Sponsorship information and a calendar of weekly Market events. You can also keep in touch and stay up to date on the latest Market news, pictures, activities and friends of the Market by joining us on Facebook at Granby Farmers Market.

For any additional information or to speak with one of the market coordinators, contact Alicia Newton, market manager, at 860-653-5524, ext. 124 or Eugenia Drake, site manager at 860-573-3010 or eugeniamdrake@yahoo.com.