Something Bountiful This Way Comes

For families without reliable transportation and on a limited budget in Middletown's North End, shopping options for fresh, nutritionally dense produce and preservative-free bread are limited.

Corner markets within walking distance sometimes stock bananas, onions, peppers, tomatoes or potatoes — it's a meager assortment.

Each year since Middletown's North End Farmers Market opened in 2009, it has grown in size and this year it realized so many vendors and farmers at the corner of Liberty and Main streets on Fridays that strolling quickly along the sidewalk is impossible.

Plus the sound of live, local music, like the two-person Gypsy-Reggae band Hannah's Field, free fresh samples of baba ganoush or hummus rollups near the It's Only Natural entrance, a cornucopia of colorful vegetables and fruits, the smell of Iguanas Ranos fish tacos, Hartford Baking Co.'s fresh-baked breads and Tandoor's delectable vegetable samosas beckon passersby to stop — and linger.

Friday the market continues from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring the African drumming of Jocelyn Pleasant, fresh smoothies from Raw Youniverse, gourmet toasted cheese sandwiches from The Whey Station, which uses artisanal, farmstead cheeses from Cato Corner and Beltane farms — and sells the cheeses (with free tastings) as well.

Markets continue through Oct. 28. The next night market is Sept. 20 from 5-8 p.m. featuring salsa music from Orchestra Fiebre, hair accessories by Hey Gorgeous, food from Esca Restaurant, The Whey Station and Raw Youniverse.

The 11th Annual Garden Party takes place in the Erin Street Community Garden Sept. 8 from 5-7 pm. The suggested donation is $30 each, $50 for a family and free for North End residents. Hors d’oeuvres will be served.

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