First Market Report
I can’t believe that Saturday is the opening day of the 2023 Millbrook Farmers and Makers Market. It was a date looming in the distance for so long, but now it is here! And what a market it will be! This year’s Opening Day will not only have a full slate of over 20 vendors, but we will have music courtesy of the Millbrook Art Group, Merritt Bookstore will be hosting a book signing, and friend of the Farmers and Makers Market, Tomas will be back with his BBQ Crew food truck.
I’m excited that we have many of the vendors from last year returning again for the season. Reverie will be back offering their selection of coffees and tea. Rumor has it; they might even be bringing some ice cream this year as well! Mama Wolf is returning with her selection of herbs and other interesting items from her farm. Her booth always has such color, vibrance, and wonderful finds! Julien’s will be back making their fresh squeezed lemonade, and they are hopeful they can provide the fresh bread this year. Pat’s Kitchen, a longtime favorite of the market, is returning as well, but not until next week. But you certainly won’t leave hungry because, as I mentioned, the BBQ Crew will certainly have something to enjoy! I bet they probably even started prepping their brisket or pulled pork, so it is ready for Saturday. And to help kick off the market, we will be joined by Cooper’s Daughter, a guest vendor last year who is back this week with their line of locally made spirits. Sample and enjoy their small batch spirits made from black walnuts, ramps, and more!
Laura Hammond Toonkel Studios is back again this year, and we’re looking forward to seeing what artwork she will bring with her. Her chickens, farm animals, and rural scenes are always worth enjoying a moment as you stroll through the market on Saturday. Longtime vendor Judson’s is busy tending to their farm, and we will see them in a few weeks once their produce has ripened. We are anxiously awaiting their return to stock up on locally grown vegetables of all different varieties throughout the season. The Joseph family of Haus #25 will be there Saturday, offering their soaps and other body products as well as a smile and friendly hello to all who pass by. One of last year’s favorites, Millbrook Beef & Dairy, is coming back, and they are bringing not only their awesome beef and chicken, but they tell me they have a line of cheeses for sale this year! Keegan also tells me their new sales “vehicle” is something to see. After a winter of not seeing these and our many other returning vendors, it will be good to see them all, catch up, chat, and stock up on our favorite market fare.
Not only will there be familiar faces, but we also have many new vendors this year, bringing a variety of goods and products to the market. I am sure each hopes to become a market favorite as the season progresses.
With all the excitement of returning and new vendors, we would be remiss not to reflect on the three longtime vendors who will not be returning this year. We certainly will miss them and the emptiness they will leave at our market (and our stomachs). It really will not be the same without Corgi’s Kitchen, but Jodi needed a break and to step back from the market and baking for a bit. Brits Bread also won’t be with us this year. Lou and Angela decided it was time to retire and do some traveling, relax, and just take it easy. Last but hardly least are Bob and Sarah Rizzo who have also decided it was time to step away from making their awesome granola. We wish them well, and I expect we’ll see them from time to time stopping by the market to say hello and greet old friends.
We could not ask for a better weather forecast for Opening Day. The vendors will be set up and ready to sell. Add in the smells of barbeque in the air, a bit a music to tap your toes to, and the only thing we’ll need is you. I’m looking forward to what I think will be a great market season, and thank you to all of our patrons because without you, we’re just a bunch of people setting up tents in a parking lot. See you Saturday!
GREG
MARKET MANAGER