Downtown Farmers Market Starts Season In Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — Anyone looking for fresh fruits, vegetables and other organic items is in luck, as the Stamford Downtown Farmers Market opened Saturday on Prospect Street at Latham Park (Bedford Street). The market will now operate Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Oct. 26.

According to Stamford Downtown Special Services District Events Coordinator Alex Lauture, the market is a popular annual event due to the variety of fresh and healthy options offered.

"The Farmer's Market is a great place to come shop and get everything you need for your meal in one place, plus you can even get snacks while you’re down there," Lauture said. "Everything is natural and healthy; it's a great place to be."

This year will see the addition of some new vendors, including K&B Enterprise, who will bring "hydroponically grown produce" to the market, and Oronoque Farms Bakery, who will be selling pies, cookie and various other baked goods, according to a release.

Pet owners can also seek out Paul's Custom Pet Food LLC, who will sell homemade food and treats.

While Lauture is excited about the new additions this year, which also includes Triangle Eats, he was unable to settle on a favorite due to the variety of quality products each bring to the market.

"We're pretty much excited to have all of the vendors," Lauture said. "Each of them come with unique products, and all of them have their own uniqueness to them. It's really exciting."

The market will also be accepting SNAP/EBT cards for payment, something Lauture said they have done before.

"The idea behind it is pretty much just to give more people the opportunity to be able to get access to healthy food," Lauture said.

He also was quick to point out what makes the market such a popular weekly event every summer and fall.

"It's the feeling that you're eating healthy," Lauture said, "and it's just a happy feeling to be outside and be able to look around, buy food that was literally on a vine or in the ground two or three days prior. Now it's in the market and it's going to be on your table or in your stomach by the end of the day."

Here is a list of some of this year's vendors, according to the DSSD:

• Country Farm: Fresh fruits and vegetables from Northford
• Meredith's Country Bakery: Full line of bakery products and jam
• Beldotti Bakery: Bread, pesto, mozzarella and sandwiches
• Vesco Foods: Pickles, olives, olive oil, sun dried tomatoes, tapenade
• Waterview Farm: Organic produce and free range eggs
• Mill Pond Essentials: handmade soap, candles and perfumes
• Amelia’s Florist & Farm Market: Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Country Farm II: Fresh produce, honey and maple syrup
• Guasa-Salsa Vzla: Salsa dip with a tasting station
• Biscuit and Bones: Homemade organic dog food
• The Cakery: Freshly baked cupcakes
• Guasa-Salso Vzla: Homemade salsa
• Haute Healing Oasis: Essential oils and wellness spa
• Kardamas Olive Oil: Fresh homemade olive oil
• Oronoque Farms: pies, cookie and various other baked goods
• Paul's Custom Pet Food LLC: homemade food and treats for dogs and cats
• Triangles Eat: Baked triangle pockets with various fillings
• Wanke’s Yankee Hot Pepper Products: Various hot sauces and spices