Blooms, beanies and baked goods were on offer at the first winter farmer’s market of the season, which took place at the Agricultural Hall on Saturday.
This was the first of three dates for the winter market, which will return to the Agricultural Hall on Dec. 6 and Dec. 20. Vendors included North Tabor Farm, Fire Cat Farm, Enchanted Chocolates, The Garden Farm, Island Alpaca Farm, Pie Chicks and more.
Ethan Buchanan-Valenti, who manages the market, said the market is a great opportunity for off-season community and connection.
“We’ve got about a dozen vendors here today, and we hope to have more for the next couple as we get closer to the holiday season,” he said.
In the front room of the Agricultural Hall, North Tabor Farm was serving up hot food and drinks, as well as fresh produce.
Owner Rebecca Miller, farm manager Ruby Dix and social media and website manager Sadie Dix were working together to share the fruits of the year’s harvest with shoppers.
“We’re taking our beautiful crops and turning them into prepared foods,” Ms. Miller said.
There was one dish at North Tabor that was the subject of much fanfare: chili dogs. The hot-dogs featured North Tabor’s pork sausage tucked inside a toasty brioche bun and slathered with vegan chili made from last year’s frozen tomatoes. A side of tortilla chips completed the dish.
“It’s gonna be a messy thing to eat, and that’s what the corn chips are for,” Ms. Miller said.
Over in the main hall, Fire Cat Farm was selling bouquets of dried flowers and the season’s last few bundles of dried eucalyptus.
Co-owners Casey Mazar-Kelly and Dalila Bennett said the eucalyptus bundles are a favorite among customers. Gathered with twine and fashioned with carabiners for hanging, Fire Cat’s fragrant bundles are hung in many showers across the Island.
“It lasts for a long time and smells so cozy,” Ms. Mazar-Kelly said.
Mr. Buchanan-Valenti said a laid-back vibe is typical for the winter market, especially on a gray and lightly rainy day like Saturday.
“[It’s] super quiet, but that’s to be expected,” he said. “The weather kind of scares people off on dreary, rainy days.”
No matter the weather, the North Tabor crew said the winter market is a great way to engage with the year-round community.
“Summer market’s definitely a lot more touristy,” Sadie Dix said. “The winter market is more like people you grew up with, your neighbors, people you can see at the grocery store.”
Similarly, Ms. Mazar-Kelly said the quiet of the winter farmer’s market is a unique blessing compared to the summertime hustle. A slower-paced day means that vendors can leave their posts, talk to friends and make purchases of their own.
“It’s always fun being able to walk around and see what everyone else is selling,” she said. “I think because it’s a little quieter... we get to enjoy everyone’s fare.”
The winter farmer’s market will return to the Agricultural Hall on Dec. 6 and Dec. 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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