Farmers’ market customers eagerly return for high quality local ingredients

As happily as the robins chirping in the branches outside, loyal Springfield Farmers’ Market customers migrated back to their favorite vendors for the first indoor Spring Farmers’ Market of the year at the United Methodist Church on April 7.

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Farmers’ market customers eagerly return for high quality local ingredients BY KAREN ENDGAHL, The Shopper April 10, 2018 springfield Vendor Sue Fog. Photo by Karen Engdahl. SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – As happily as the robins chirping in the branches outside, loyal Springfield Farmers’ Market customers migrated back to their favorite vendors for the first indoor Spring Farmers’ Market of the year at the United Methodist Church on April 7. “People come back for high quality,” said Sue Fog, one of the founding members of the Springfield Farmers’ Market. “They know we use excellent local ingredients and produce the best local products, year after year.” Surveying her tableful of homemade jams, preserves, and breads, Fog explained that the vendors enjoyed the indoor markets as a chance to reconnect with their customers as the traditional summer market time draws nearer. “This will be the ninth year our family has participated in the farmers’ market,” she said. “We’re glad to work with the church to have an indoor venue four times a year – Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the two spring markets – and we really love our new outdoor location for the market in the summertime.” Once held in the parking lot across the street from the United Methodist Church, the outdoor summertime market moved last year to a grassy field next to the Toonerville Trail trailhead on Clinton Street. “It’s much more open – and feels a lot safer than dodging cars in the parking lot!” said Fog. Springfield Vendor Audrey Tarbell. Photo by Karen Engdahl. In their new location, vendors have moved to a system of self-governance. Once organized under the aegis of Springfield on the Move, the market is now totally vendor-operated. Other area producers offering locally-sourced goods such as jams, jellies, preserves, honey, maple syrup, eggs, baked goods, roasting chickens, and grass-fed beef include Hawks Meadow Farm, Winter View Farm, Aroma Catering, and Critter Crossing Acres. Seasonal vendors also participated in the indoor market, including Audrey Tarbell who sells handmade kitchen accessories and doll clothes. “I just love setting up next to all the colorful foods!” she said. “It’s great to see all the people who come out for the indoor market. They’re all eager for spring!” The next Spring Farmers’ Market will be held at the United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 5. For more information on the market and local vendors, visit their webpage at www.springfieldvtfarmersmarket.com.