NORWICH – The return of wintry weather has always brought with it a host of logistical problems when it comes to holding outdoor events, but this year customers and vendors alike have more reason than ever to keep selling and keep buying through the winter. This is no truer than in the case of vendors – such as the Norwich Farmers' Market – who rely on drive-by traffic to increase sales.
“We really wanted to be out in the park until the day before Thanksgiving, but the weather was just too difficult this year,” said Sandy Pierce, a long-time member and advocate of the local Norwich Market.
The Norwich Farmers’ Market, a seasonal assemblage of local food, wares and craft vendors that typically organizes in East Park during the summer months, will now be located in and around the lobby of Follett Hall, the Morrisville State College Norwich campus located at 20 Conkey Ave.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays until January 2014, area shoppers can continue to frequent their favorite Farmers' Market vendors without having to brave the elements of inclement weather, which will come as a warm welcome to all who've made the local market a success in the past.
Starting in January, the market will be shifting its hours into the afternoon in an effort to increase foot traffic into the college and make it more accessible for more shoppers. As Pierce noted, “Not as many shoppers can make it out in the morning.”
One of the unique dynamics of a Farmers' Market is the constant evolution and variety of goods and vendors. With the change in season, it's not uncommon to see a new crop of vendors sprout. Many vendors only have summer products, but others – such as those who work the winter market – grow root crops and sell meat and eggs, and are able to have a year-long inventory to work from.
Vince Granata of Oxford has recently joined the ranks of the Norwich Farmers' Market, bringing with him his craft of soap making and artisan men’s cologne.
An architectural designer by trade, Granata got his start in traditional soap making years ago when he decided that he wasn't going to continue to pay the rising costs of commercial laundry detergents from the supermarket. “We have a lot of artisans in this area who could benefit from having an outlet such as the Farmers' Market to sell their goods ... I'm a prime example of that,” he said. “Not only can I move product along, but I also gain exposure.”
Currently, there are six vendors in the second week of winter operation of the Norwich Farmers' Market. During the “winter months” of November through May, the market runs on Wednesdays which is a change from the twice-weekly (Wednesday and Saturday) summer schedule in the park.
“Morrisville has been very, very gracious about lending the space out to the Farmers’ market, and we're very appreciative of all the support that Marsha Cornelius and Morrisville State College has given us,” said Pierce. She added, “As we add vendors, we can work our way down the hallway and even occupy the community room if more vendor space is needed. There’s a lot of room here.”
Cornelius, executive director at the Morrisville State College Norwich branch, said, “This is a great opportunity for the college to build community relations and make the public more aware of what agricultural entities are available.” She added, “Having the Market under the college roof also works as a vehicle to promote and foster interest in some of the programs that the college has to offer the community.”
Said Pierce, “Any prospective vendors interested in becoming part of the farmers’ market, depending on what they sell, will determine whether or not they need specific licensing or permitting. Certain things fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture and Markets, and others fall under the Department of Health. Whatever the case, if someone wants to join the market, we will assist them in any way we can to get them pointed in the right direction in regards to filing and obtaining the proper paperwork.”
The market will be open inside Follett Hall every Wednesday until nicer weather arrives in the spring, and the community is encouraged to visit and support local vendors.