FOFAH Winter Farmer's Market Begins Nov. 19

Suffield’s Friends of the Farm at Hilltop (FOFAH) had their plans for a winter farmer’s market deferred but not undone by recent fall snowstorm and resultant recovery. The first date for the market is now Nov. 19.

The winter farmer’s market features products from local and area farms and artisans. FOFAH proclaims a visit to the market will be “fun for the whole family.” Food and produce for sale include dairy products from cows and goats, natural beef, baked goods, jams, honey and winter crops.

Decorative and artisan offerings include locally grown fibers, locally made crafts, soap and dried flowers. Festive items like holiday greens and Christmas trees will also be available.

The winter farmer’s market provides an uncommon opportunity to support community farms and buy local during the colder part of the year.

FOFAH wants Suffield citizens and other area residents to “come and enjoy the view up at Hilltop Farm, experience the beauty of this grand barn and its surroundings and purchase items from the local region,” according to a statement from the group.

Formed in 2002, FOFAH sprung from a grassroots effort to preserve the farm building, completed in 1925, and surrounding properties at 1608 Mapleton Ave. from being sold and possibly demolished. The nonprofit organization is staffed entirely by volunteers.

Focuses for the group include preserving and improving the farm building and surrounding area as well as supporting local agriculture. One of FOFAH’s ultimate goals is creating an agricultural and environmental learning center on the farm.

FOFAH’s organizational vision is “to help people connect with the land and learn from it,” according to its mission statement.

To that extent, the group has administered more than $750,000 in donations and grants for the farm since 2004. It holds a 99-year lease on the land parcel containing the main barn and leases 65 acres of surrounding open space owned by the town.

FOFAH’s winter market will now happen on the following Saturdays at Hilltop Farm from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Nov. 19, Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and Dec. 17.

Are you interested in being a vendor at the winter farmer’s market? Do you have questions about or suggestions for the event? Contact FOFAH members Megan Hastings (860-882-3148) or Eileen Moncrief (860-573-9786). For more information about FOFAH, Hilltop Farm and the winter farmer’s market, visit the group’s Web site.