Driving through Ledyard center on Route 117 without stopping was a difficult endeavor on the afternoon of Friday, June 6. With a large part of their parking lot teeming with people milling around the dozen or so vendors’ tables, the Tri-Town Foods-sponsored, first Ledyard Farmers’ Market grand opening was certainly a success. Tri-Town Foods co-owner and organizer of the farmers’ market, Kevin Brouillard, said he felt the event went exceptionally well.
“I think it was very well-received,” Brouillard said. “The vendors, without any exceptions, all expressed to me that they thought it was a great venue and at least 50 percent of them expressed to me that they were surprised by their sales. It wasn’t just people looking and checking things out, the vendors actually sold out of a number of items.”
Brouillard said that the inspiration behind starting a farmers’ market was simple. The idea was to give local farmers and vendors a venue to sell their wares, something he personally and Tri-Town Foods have always believed in. The dozen vendors present for the opening day came from many neighboring towns, such as the Beltane Farm from Lebanon, Killiam & Bessette from South Glastonbury, and Nature’s Edge Farm of Canterbury.
Among the vendors from Ledyard were the Cedar Meadow Farm, Hidden Brook Gardens, and Aiki. Other towns represented were Baltic, Hanover, and Voluntown.
While the 12 vendors present offered a wide array of products such as hand-crafted soap, goat cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables, jams, honey, seafood, lemonade, and various cuts of fresh meats, Brouillard said that by mid- to late summer, he expects an even greater variety of goods as the number of vendors will likely be anywhere from 17 to 20 on any given Friday.
Brouillard also hinted at the prospect of hosting a number of special events and entertainment for market-goers, such as live chef demonstrations and activities for children.
The farmers’ market is slated to be open every Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and running through October. For more information or to learn how to get involved, contact Kevin Brouillard at 537-3417.