Shop Local: Farmers Market Season is Here!

For the second year, Wiltonians will have two local farmer's markets to choose from. The Georgetown Farmers Market has more vendors and a more storied history, while the neophyte Wilton Farmers Market features a location closer to the heart of town.

The Georgetown offering opens May 23 and runs until Oct. 31 in a new larger location that the market christened last year, at 4 Old Mill Rd. The newer location offers better parking and the ability to host more vendors - 16 in all.

Find vendors at the market on Sundays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The market's founder, Gail Brookover, is still crafting her homemade Blackbird Baked Goods.

"I am primarily known for fresh fruit and nut pies, famous apple dumplings that can't be found elsewhere, bars, brownies, cookies and cakes," she said.

Founded in 1998, Brookover still retains some of the vendors she began with 12 seasons ago and reveals that they are like a family often getting together for dinner in the winter months when they don't see each other weekly.

Don Taylor, of Danbury's Taylor Family Farm, has been with the market form its inception and continues to please customers with amazing greens, veggies, squashes, fruits and melons - he's also a friendly character who'll often thrown an extra head of garlic or handful of herbs in your bag with a big grin on his face.

Bob Denucci, of Ridgefield, will be selling heirloom tomatoes; Ed Dillon, of Keed's Farm, will be on hand with his "fabulous" hydroponic microgreens, said Brookover.

She also noted the new vendors that will be on hand: Calcutta Kitchens will be selling savory Indian foods and chutneys while Peter Propp, of Habibi Hommus, will be offering many varieties of the chickpea-based dips. Brookover believes the market in Georgetown has thrived due to careful planning.

"I hand-picked all the vendors. I make sure that everyone has their niche," she said.

Which means only one bread vendor, one pie-seller, one sandwich-maker - this keeps the vendors happy and less-competitive.

It's also the second year for the more centrally located farmer's market held weekly in the parking lot of the Wilton Library.

The market opened May 5, and will continue each Wednesday from 2-6 p.m. until Oct. 27. They changed their hours from last year due to customer demand. Shoppers requested  a time that would allow them to swing by on their way home from work and not have to worry about their purchases suffering in hot cars.

The market started the season "without much fanfare" but "well-attended" according to the library's publicist Janet Crystal. They plan to have 10 vendors as the season gets underway.

Returning vendors from last year include Ambler Farm, Wave Hill Breads, Schulze Farm, Michele's Pies, IzzyB's allergen-free cupcakes, Ola Granola and Killam + Bassette Farmstead.

New vendors include Nod Hill Soaps, Ducky Life Organic Teas, and Fork, Knife and Spoon Catering.

"Though early greens and vegetables are not yet ready, there are other delectable items. It's a full bounty," said Crystal.