by Tom Dillon
The summer may be over, but the Stratford Farmers Market is still going strong!
Every Monday afternoon an incredible collection of people, goods and services gather at Paradise Green for all to enjoy. If you have been a regular at the market you already know the friendly faces and wonderful products that make up the market. But if you have not, there is still time to come out and see for yourself.
You’ll find fresh locally grown produce from two local farms who have worked all year long to bring the fruits and vegetables of their labor to the people of Stratford. Gazy Brothers Farms and Plasko’s Farm and Creamery bring truckloads of fresh produce right to the center of town for everyone’s convenience.
Gazy Brothers Farm is a 4th generation family farm founded in 1918. Produce is picked from 25 acres in Oxford and brought to farmer’s markets throughout the state. The Plasko Farm team adds fresh baked goods so you can find your dessert as well a wide variety of fresh produce grown right here in Connecticut.
If veggies and treats just aren’t enough for you how about a surf and turf dinner?
You can put clams casino on the table in 2 quick stops. Head over to Laurie and Dave Popadic’s Clam truck. Fresh from the mouth of the Housatonic River, Laurie and Dave have been bringing in the best of Long Island Sound clams for decades. A little bacon from Eaglewood Farms’ Connecticut grown pork completes the recipe.
Dave Finn raises the pigs in Barkhamsted. Each pig is raised until they weigh 240 pounds! The good news is that you don’t have to buy the whole thing. They have a wide variety of cuts and styles. If you don’t find Dave at the stand you’ll meet Kevin who can fill you in on all the details on each cut of meat.
Eaglewood Farms also provides fresh chicken and duck eggs in a variety of sizes. Bacon and eggs for breakfast anyone?
Wanke’s Yankee, run by none other than Dave Wanke, provides an amazing collection of hot sauces, jams, and spiced peanuts that will please and delight. While all the products specialize in hot peppers each product is available in a variety of flavors and intensities.
If you need a little boost to give you the energy to carry all that good stuff you can get a coffee or a refreshing tea at Rob Vitale and Shama Khan’s Yellow King Brews. Hot or cold, they have something delicious for you. Several food trucks also have been available so you can even get something delicious if you can’t wait to eat until you get
home!
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner – the market has you covered and that is not even half the story.
Need inspiration? Got that. Need advice? You bet! Need a friend who never complains and won’t eat you out of house and home. The Stratford Farmers Market has it all.
Meet Jennifer Csedrik, a Main Street resident and owner of Inspire Attire, who produces beautiful clothing right here in town. “Every item has a word, a message and a meaning,” Jen explained. She will greet you with an infectious spirit and bright eyes. “I am all about self-care and self-love!” Each item is printed at her barn/studio. Her truly positive nature shines through each piece from tank tops to t-shirts to hoodies and blankets.
If you need advice about your financial future you can find Kathy Figgis at the Flagship Financial Partners table. Kathy is a long time Stratford resident and is active with the Stratford Sister Cities Choir.
And for those who want a companion to take home with them – try out Nancy Moore’s herbs, succulents and plants. She has been in the business of growing a wide variety of plants for more than 50 years. Long lasting and easy to take care of, Nancy’s beautiful little plants may not be as fun as a puppy, but they will never make a move on that bacon you got from Eaglewood Farms!
There is still plenty of time left and other crafters, vendors and to meet in person. The Market will be running throughout the month of October every Monday afternoon from 2 to 6. Masks are required and a hand sanitizing station is available at the entrance of the market. Special thanks should be paid to all involved in making the market possible in this trying year. Market Master Laurie Popadic has put incredible energy and a ton of time into bringing this wonderful resource to Stratford year over year.
