Twenty years ago, a few Westporters believed a weekly farmers’ market could change how their town eats, gathers, and supports its local food economy.
They were right. From a few small tents in the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot — thanks in part to the encouragement of Paul Newman and Michel Nischan, who owned and operated the Dressing Room restaurant adjacent to the theater — the Westport Farmers’ Market has grown to become a beloved town institution.
Paul Newman and Michel Nischan: the early years.
Every Thursday from May through November, the Imperial Avenue parking lot pulses with energy. Farmers and shoppers enjoy a special community.
It’s a farmers’ market, sure — with everything from fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs to honey, breads and organic meats.
But it’s also a spot to enjoy lunch from food trucks; hear live music; contribute food for underserved communities, and — hey, why not? — get your knives sharpened.
(Photo/Susan Garment)
(The WFM does not lie fallow in the winter. From November through March they move indoors, to Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center.)
This Thursday marks the actual 20th anniversary of the Westport Farmers’ Market.
They’ll celebrate in a typical WFM way: by turning the spotlight on the people who built it.
The Farmers’ Market will honor the founders and contributors who shaped the market over 2 decades — including the volunteers, vendors and community members who show up year after year, to make it what it is today.
(Photo/Marcus Slomich)
As always, there’s a lot going on. The WFM is introducing a “20-Year Passport Program.” Shoppers can collect stamps at each booth. Those who support 8 vendors can choose from a great lineup of free item from their vendors. It’s “a passport through 2 decades of local food.”
The Farmers’ Market is also asking longtime shoppers to bring their collection of “Friend of the Market” tote bags. The annual loyalty bag has become a visible timeline of the market’s history.
Shoppers with 10 bags will receive a gift certificate to a farmer. Those with all 15 — every bag ever made — will get WFM merchandise of their choice, a farmer gift certificate, and a vendor gift certificate.
The 2021 bag.
If you’ve been around for a while, this is your chance to shine!
The 20th anniversary week coincides with the days when our back yard barbecue season kicks into high gear.
Tomatoes, corn, stone fruit, and everything else home cooks need are ready, at a number of booths.Lori Cochran-Dougall says, “as executive director for the past 16 years, I’ve had the privilege of building the market’s community programs from the ground up.
(Photo/Quinn Fitts)
“Watching this market grow into one of the strongest, most connected farmers’ market communities in the state has been the honor of my career. This week is both a thank you to the people who got us here, and a celebration.”
Party at the Westport Farmers’ Market!
(“06880” is just 3 years younger than the Farmers’ Market. We too are proud of our growth — and of readers’ support. If you appreciate our work, you can contribute by clicking here. Thank you!)
The farmers market is a living thread back to when the town was more agricultural and self-sufficient. As a kid, I used to drink well water. I used to have to pump and pump and then that cold water would come out that had a distinct taste, not like tap water of today. Maybe add a water well to the farmers market if possible?
Just to add to that, a water pump’ delivers’ maybe 3 gallons of water per minute. You don’t use it to get a glass of water. Get 3 or more gallons and give out glasses of water to everyone. Somehow lock the handle so it can only be used when the market is open.
I love the farmer’s market! Happy 20th anniversary. Shout-out to Lori Cochran-Dougall for running such a great place.