Customers Swarm Farmers Market

The parking lot at the "White Church" overflowed Saturday morning as the Go Local Farmers and Artisans Market opened for the season.  Some drivers were circling the lot, trying to find an open space.

Booths filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, breads, meats and fish, honey, and lots of other tasty things beckoned in front of the education building.

A full parking lot was a very good thing, indeed, said Lisa Browning, a registered dietician who manages the market for the church.

“Things are going very well so far, the parking lot is full,” Browning said with a smile.  “This is our second year. We have some new vendors this year. The Barrington library is here doing a book sale. We have Creperie and their made-to-order crepes. We’ll have a different special every week.”

Jane Hadley, of Barrington, had just purchased some bread from the Bristol Bakery vendor.

“I’m looking for locally produced foods and vegetables,” she said. “I came to the farmers market as much as I could last year. It’s a great, great asset for the community and local vendors.”

Leslie Carnevale, owner of Creperie in Providence, was making a crepe for a customer.  She explained that crepes are thin, French-style pancakes and said her company makes sweet and savory crepes.

“We use fresh food ingredients,” said Carnevale. “You can have chocolate or strawberry, cheese, lots of different choices.  And we use Nutella.”

“I love Bristol Bakery,” said Jennifer Rakeman of Barrington. “I’m also here for fresh vegetables and herbs. It’s fun to see the new stuff this year. I’m very happy the farmers market is back again.”

Donald Baffoni of Baffoni’s Poultry Farm in Johnston was happy to talk about his fresh chicken and eggs.

“Our chickens are fed an all-vegetarian diet,” he said.  “Free range and no antibiotics.”

Calvin Misiurski of Barrington had just purchased some plants from one of the vendors.  When asked what brought him to the Farmer’s Market he said, “Bristol Bakery’s breads. And I needed some plants.”

What special feature can customers expect next week at the farmers market?

“Next week we’ll have a petting zoo,” said Browning. “And pony rides."

The Go Local market at the Barrington Congregational Church will runs every Saturday now through October.