Local Market Success Varies by Meghan Siegler echo@salmonpress.com winnisquamecho.net 13 July 2006 photo by Meghan Siegler

A matter of miles seems to make a big difference when locals decide where to buy their fresh produce, maple syrup, and other farmers' market goods. While people were lined up at the Sanbornton Farmers' Market before it even opened last Friday, Tilton's market the following day had neither the vendors nor the customers that Sanbornton boasts each week.

"It takes a lot of time to prepare for a farmers' market," said Barbara Proulx, who owns Green Acres Farm in Tilton with her husband Roger. Proulx sets up her Just Maple stand every Friday in Sanbornton, but she has no plans to participate in her hometown's Saturday markets, noting that her store at the farm takes time too.

"You can't be in two places at once," she said. Proulx also participates in Meredith's and Bedford's farmers' markets.

Charlotte Tibbetts of That Jam Business in Sanbornton said the Sanbornton Farmers' Market is "right up there" with Concord's in terms of how many vendors and patrons she sees. Tibbetts spends her Saturday mornings at the Concord market, and she also sells at Meredith's market.

While Tilton only had one table set up last Saturday, a change of day and venue could be to blame for lack of vendors. The market used to be held on Wednesdays in the lot across from the police station; now it's in the parking lot of the old post office on Main Street Saturday mornings. Event organizer Kelly Lang is hoping that once vendors realize it's there, they'll want to sell their goods, and customers will have more to choose from.

"There were actually a fair number of customers considering the poor vendor turnout," Lang said. "The gourmet chocolates vendor who did come was from Lincoln, and she said she sold more that day than she does at other fairs and craft shows she attends. It was a positive endeavor for her and she will be back again this Saturday."

"Like any new business, you cannot expect it to catch on in a day," Main Street Program Manager Judy Rich said. "It takes time to build any business." Meanwhile, the Sanbornton Farmers' Market has been around for several years and has grown to about 15 vendors. According to several vendors, this year's opening day, June 30, was much anticipated and successful in spite of wet fields.

"It was good despite that we were stuck in Town Hall," Proulx said.

Elizabeth Brown, who was selling Nancy's (her mom) Balsamic Vinaigrette in Sanbornton Friday, said they came from Hopkinton because they'd heard good things about the town's summer market. Opening day was no disappointment.

"It was excellent," Brown said. "We've never sold more, and Jack (Potter) said it was a slow day."

Tilton is hoping to get in on some of that action by expanding its market.

"We are actively recruiting more vendors to participate this Saturday and for the remainder of the summer," Lang said. "There is no booth rental fee for the market or registration fee."

For more information about participating in the farmers' market contact Kelly Lang at 286-4007 x223."

This document initially developed by Jack Potter, 603-528-1990, info@shakerwoodsfarm.com.
Shaker Woods Farm at Point Comfort, 17 July 2006

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