One of Connecticut’s premiere outdoor events is blossoming again in West Hartford as the popular Blue Back Farmers’ Market returns for a second season, delivering a robust portion of fresh produce, creative arts and crafts, live music and a whole lot of family entertainment! Specifically, the Certified CT Grown Farmer’s Market in West Hartford begins on Sunday, June 18, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and runs every Sunday until October 29, 2023 in the Town Hall parking lot.
“We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for our inaugural year as we attracted crowds of 500 to 700 people from across New England and the entire tri-state area every weekend,” said Mary Collins, co-founder of Blue Back Farmers’ Market, which she organizes with her husband Scott Franklin. “This year promises to be even better with our new Market Manager for vendors-Jess Emonds, and enhanced programs, performers, live demos and interactive displays.”
Specifically, more than 25 vendors will line the rows of West Hartford’s Sunday Farmers’ Market, including some of the most reputable organic and conventional farmers in the state, like Barden Farm, Clatter Ridge, Fat Stone Farm, George Hall Farm, Lion’s Tale Farm, , Sub Edge and Sweet Acre, Lyric Hill, among others. Specialty vendors offering a range of products from linens to microgreens will rotate in each week so that visitors to the market will always find something new to experience.
Sweet new additions to this year’s roster include local bakeries, dessert, and coffee companies, including Pure Goodness Bakery, Granny’s Pie Factory, Hartford Baking Co., gluten free Treats by Taylor among others.
“As both foodies and community supporters, we always seek out and prefer to purchase locally sourced produce and products – they simply taste better and last longer,” adds Collins. “West Hartford is the perfect access point for Certified Connecticut Grown farmers and other vendors since the town is literally located in the middle of the state.”
Collins notes that the Blue Back Farmers’ Market will continue to live up to its motto—Come for the food, stay for the fun—by offering extensive and engaging programming every Sunday. Upcoming events include:
- Live, acoustic music
- Meet the Chef Q&A
- Programs on gardening, composting and recycling
- Art and weaving demos
- Wheel Fun Bicycle event for kids
- Dog Days of Summer event in August
Blue Back Farmers’ Market is located in the West Hartford Town Hall parking lot a few hundred yards from Blue Back Square and will have two primary entrances, one on Raymond Road and the other on Main Street. There is plenty of free parking and the area is wheelchair accessible.
“We invite you to experience the Blue Back Farmers’ Market as a “Third Place” - neither work nor home—where people can linger, connect and belong,” concludes Collins. “We want to thank our remarkable vendors and the Town of West Hartford for helping us create a seasonal destination for the entire community.”
There are several convenient and affordable sponsorship levels available for companies and individuals interested in supporting the venture ranging from $100 to $5,000. Please visit www.bluebackfarmersmarket.org for more information.
The Grand Opening of the Blue Back Farmers’ Market takes place on Sunday, June 18, 2023 and runs every Sunday until October 29, 2023.
About Blue Back Farmers’ Market
West Hartford has increasingly become a destination for people from all across New England. Blue Back Farmers’ Market co-founders Mary Collins and Scott Franklin felt that the town could support a substantial Sunday Farmers’ Market that celebrated not only locally grown and produced food, but also the local culture. The Blue Back Farmers’ Market is their ambitious venture to create a successful “Third Place”—neither work nor home—where people linger, connect and belong. Stop for some fresh lettuce, pick up that special cheese, but then pause at the Art Demonstration or Community Program tents. Visit www.bluebackfarmersmarket.org for more information on participating farms, events and activities.