Ahhhh….summer! Summer in New Hampshire, brings with it an abundance of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. For those lucky enough to have a garden, you know that there is no comparison between just-picked, vine-ripened tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, succulent strawberries, and tender, sweet corn-on-the-cob, and the trucked-in produce you typically find available at the grocery store. For those who don’t have a garden or who want to supplement what’s in their own garden, there are about fifty farmers’ markets scattered around the state, selling fresh produce, home-baked goods, and a variety of New Hampshire-made items throughout the summer and into early fall.According to Stephen H. Taylor, former Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food, farmers’ markets fill an important role in local economies throughout the State. “Farmers’ markets are becoming increasingly important to NH agriculture and to the communities that host them,” he stated recently. “They afford farmers a low-cost venue to link up with consumers, who are afforded a source of fresh, locally grown produce, flowers and other farm commodities. Farmers' markets also contribute to the social fabric of communities by bringing people together in a pleasant, relaxing environment.”
Taylor noted that farmers’ markets have been in existence since at least the Middle Ages, if not before, and they have been a part of American life since Colonial times. In New Hampshire, the oldest continually operating farmers’ market is located in Portsmouth, and, according to Taylor, it is also the largest. Since 1992, the number of farmers’ markets in New Hampshire has grown from twelve to fifty-four in 2005, with more being planned for this year. “This growth is unprecedented,” Taylor said.
Commissioner Taylor explained that a farmers’ market is distinguished from a farm stand by several factors. “A farmers' market, by statutory definition, is a place where two or more vendors gather for purposes of selling agricultural commodities; no vendor may own the physical premises where the market is held. A farm stand is a place situated on a farm or a location leased or rented by a farm for purposes of selling produce of that particular farm; the farm, depending on the local zoning ordinance, may be permitted to sell up to a fixed percentage of gross sales produce purchased for resale from other farms.”
Licensing regulations for farmers’ markets vary from town to town, with some, like Nashua, having fairly involved regulations, and others having none, except in the case of vendors selling New Hampshire wines or prepared foods, in which case special licenses are required from the State Liquor Commission or the State Bureau of Food Protection, respectively.
The following is a list of New Hampshire farmers’ markets originally compiled by the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food for the 2006 season, sorted by county.
BELKNAP
Laconia Farmers’ Market: Beacon St. East, upper parking lot, next to City Hall. June 24-October 7, Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Vegetables, fruits, baked goods, jams, jellies, flowers, crafts, maple syrup, honey, goat cheese and milk and eggs. Rain or shine, 267-6522. btramsay1@aol.com
Meredith Village Farmers’ Market: Community Park, Main St. July 6-September 14, Thursdays, 3-6 p.m. Fresh locally grown meat, fruits, vegetables, crafts, maple syrup, baked goods. Demonstrations, music. Rain or shine, 279-9015. gmpl@metrocast.net.
Sanbornton Farmers’ Market: Sanbornton Historical Society’s Lane Tavern in Sanbornton Square, Rt. 132. June 30-October 6, Fridays, 3-6 p.m. Agricultural crafts, baked goods, dairy, free range poultry and meat products, eggs, fiber goods, crafts, flowers, fresh fruits, berries, herbs, honey, jams, jellies, potted plants, processed foods, seeds, syrup, vegetables, woods crafts and products. Local entertainment; fresh produce cooking demonstrations. Rain or shine, 528-1990. sfm@shakerwoodsfarm.com; www.lanetaver.org/sf.htm.
Tilton Farmers’ Market: East Main St. across from Police Department. June-October, Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m. Fruits, vegetables, bedding plants, seasonal plants, pumpkins, maple products, honey products, pies, jams, jellies, baked goods, craft items. Rain or shine, 286-8668. info@tiltonmainstreet.org.
CARROLL
Jackson Area Market: Jackson Village. Summer, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Vegetables, fruits, arts and crafts. Shine only, 383-6277.
North Conway Farmers’ Market: Gibson Center for Senior Services. July-September, Tuesdays, 1-5 p.m. Vegetables, fruits, arts and crafts. Rain or shine, 383-6277.
Sandwich Farmers’ Market: Samuel H. Wentworth Library, under the Pines, Rt. 109. June 24-September 30, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Locally grown and certified organic produce, fruits, berries, maple syrup, baskets, baked goods, seasonal demonstrations, plants, more. Old Home week in August. Rain or shine, 284-7163.
Wakefield Farmers’ Market: Corner of Rt. 16 and Wakefield Rd., opposite Palmers Motel. May 27-October 7, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Local vegetables, fruits in season, baked goods, fudge, plants, pottery, wood, fiber art. Demonstrations 10-11 a.m. Rain or shine, 473-8762.
www.wakefieldmarketplace.homestead.com.
Wolfeboro Area Farmers’ Market: 35 Center St. across from DeVylder’s Market. June 22-September 28, Thursdays, 1-5 p.m. Organic vegetables, goat’s milk products, jams, jellies, baked goods, cut flowers, herbs, herb products, eggs, honey, maple syrup, potted plants, wool. Weekly educational demonstrations and events. Rain or shine, 323-3369. telemark@ncia.net.
CHESHIRE
Jaffrey Farmers’ Market: Monadnock Plaza, Rt. 202. July-September, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Produce, flowers, plants, jams, jellies, maple syrup, baked goods, limited crafts. Rain or shine, 532-6561.
Keene Farmers’ Market: commercial parking lot off Gilbo Ave. May-October, Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Fruits, vegetables, herbs, plants, flowers, maple syrup, honey, baked goods, crafts, jams, jellies, eggs and soap. Rain or shine, 446-9474.
COOS
Colebrook Farmers’ Market: 84 Colby St. July-October, Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Vegetables, fruits, berries, baked goods, maple products, pickles, jams, jellies, wool yarn, crafts. Rain or shine, 237-4430.
Lancaster Farmers’ Market: Centennial Park. June-October, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Certified organic produce, fresh local produce, goat cheese, eggs, baked goods, pesto, jams, jellies, cut flowers, plants, maple syrup, free range chickens, honey, fruits, berries and cider. Rain or shine, 586-9832. lancasterfarmers@aol.com; www.NorthernNHFarmersMarket.com.
GRAFTON
Canaan Farmers’ Market: On the Park, U.S. Rt. 4 & NH Rt. 118. June 20-September 26, Tuesdays, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Locally and vendor grown produce, meats, baked goods, maple products, fine crafts. “Primavera” markets, Saturdays, May 20 & 27; Harvest Market, Saturday, October 7, both of these markets are morning markets, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Rain or shine, 523-4337. kushwood@valley.net.
Enfield Farmers’ Market: Huse Park, U.S. Rt. 4 & Main. Late-June-early October, 3-6 p.m. Fruits, vegetables, maple, honey, baked goods, meats, yarn, soap, flowers, eggs, chicken, jams, jellies. Weekly entertainment; Cheese Day is August 9. Rain or shine, 632-7197. info@shakerhill.com, EVA@interdial.com, www.Enfieldmainstreet.org.
Lebanon Farmers’ Market: Colburn Park, downtown Lebanon. June-September, Thursdays, 4-7 p.m. Locally and organically grown produce, breads, baked goods, poultry and meat products, eggs, cheese, prepared foods, hard cider, crafts, jewelry, soaps, woolens. Live music at every market and community booths. Rain or shine, 802-649-2724. franny@valley.net, www.lebcity.com.
Littleton Farmers’ Market: Cottage St., Senior Center parking lot. June 18-October 8, Sundays, 10 a.m-1 p.m. Fresh local produce in season, meat, eggs, poultry, maple products, preserves, baked goods, prepared food, perennials, cut flowers, honey, crafts, wood products. Entertainment and demonstrations through the season. 444-777/0248. info@littletonmainstreet.org; www.littletonmainstreet.org.
Lower Cohase Farmers’ Market: Rt. 302, Woodsville. June 15-October 15, Wednesdays, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Seasonal produce, melons, eggs, baked goods, crafts, flowers, plants. Rain or shine, 838-6425.
Plymouth Farmers’ Market: Church of the Holy Spirit Community Life Center, Highland St. June 22-September 28, Thursdays, 3-6 p.m. Corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, beans, peas, lettuce, beets, melons, cut flowers, meats, eggs, soaps and baked goods. Rain or shine, 536-3823. longview175@adelphia.net.
HILLSBOROUGH
Amherst Farmers’ Market: Amherst Village Green. June 1-October 5, Thursdays, 2:30-6:30 p.m. Locally grown & organic produce, fruits, cut flowers, herbs, wine, seafood, milk, cheese, baked goods, preserves, soaps, potted plants, other specialty items. Rain or shine, 249-9809, grdnprty1@aol.com.
Bedford Farmers’ Market: Rt. 101 to Wallace Rd. to Benedictine Park. Summer, Tuesdays, 3-6 p.m. Organic and locally grown produce, wine, fish, venison, baked goods, cut flowers, cheese, fruits, apples, strawberries, blueberries. Family events and celebrations, local musicians. Rain or shine, 494-8190. info@bedfordfarmersmarket.com, www.bedfordfarmersmarket.com.
Hancock Farmers’ Market: in the horse sheds behind the church. Mid-May-mid-October, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Vegetables, fruits, certified organic produce, pickles, buffalo meat, honey, handicrafts, baked goods, soups, perennials, flowers, maple syrup, soaps, kettle corn, quilts, yarns, preserves, cider (in season). Weekly musical, craft and cooking events; announcements in local papers and sign board. Rain or shine, 525-3788. cdaloz@worldpath.net.
Manchester Downtown Farmers’ Market: Victory Park, Concord St. & Pine St. June-October, Thursdays, 3-6:30 p.m. Vegetables, herbs, flowers, eggs, meat, baked goods, certified organic vendors, soups, maple products, strawberries, blueberries, apples, pears, peaches, melons, dried flowers, wines. Weekly demonstrations of cooking, music, children days, food sampling. Rain or shine, 679-8101. charliereid@ttlc.net.
Milford Farmers’ Market: TD Banknorth, lower lot, South St. Late-June-early-October, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Locally grown fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, plants, baked goods , jams, jellies, maple syrup. Rain or shine, 673-5792, mosseyapples@aol.com.
New Boston Farmers’ Market: Town Common at the gazebo, Rt. 13. July-October, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Local produce, baked goods, eggs, flowers, jams, sweets, honey, maple syrup, herbals, fresh fish. Rain or shine, 487-3577. harveyhouse@earthlink.net.
Peterborough Farmers’ Market: Depot Square Park. May 24-October 4, Wednesdays, 3-6:30 p.m. Starter plants, vegetables, herbs, fruits, cut flowers, bouquets, perennials, eggs, poultry, lamb, goose, duck, herbal products, baked goods, pickles, preserves, honey, maple syrup, goat cheese, raw fresh milk, raw fresh goats milk, jewelry, soap, candles, hand knit sweaters, mittens, scarves, felted bags, other items felted. Rain or shine, 547-2108. greenfieldgardens@verizon.net.
Weare Farmers’ Market: Town Gazebo. July-September, Fridays, 3-6 p.m. Seasonal fresh fruits, produce, certified organic goods, fresh baked breads, pies, jams, jellies, pickles, goats milk soaps, lotions, fresh garlic, compost, flowers, potted plants. Vendor demonstrations, educational events, music. Rain or shine, 529-0782. wearefarmersmarket@hotmail.com.
Wilton Downtown Marketplace: 48 Main St. June-September, Fridays, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Produce, New Hampshire made and produced products. Free corn on cob while in season! Harvest Fair, September 16, 10am-2pm. Rain or shine, 654-3020. WMSA@tellink.net; www.mainstreet.wilton.nh.us.
MERRIMACK
Concord Farmers’ Market: Capitol St. June-October, Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Fresh produce, crafts. Rain or shine, 796-2654.
Contoocook Farmers’ Market: Main St. July-September, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Pies, jams, jellies, maple syrup, eggs, vegetables, plants, compost, bread, berries. Rain or shine, 746-2874.
Franklin Community Farmers’ Market: Unitarian Church parking lot, Central St. June 27-October 3, Tuesdays, 3-6 p.m. Produce, natural meats, wool, fiber products, honey, maple syrup, jellies, jams, ice cream, baked goods. Rain or shine, 934-3229.
cindytaylormidwife@yahoo.com.
Henniker Farmer’s Market: Community Park, Main St. July 5-October 11, Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m. Vegetables, fruits, maple syrup, honey, crafts, body products, flowers, homemade dog biscuits, eggs, pork, chicken, composting red worms, baked goods. Live music periodically. Rain or shine, 428-7490. info@hennikerfarmersmarket.us; www.hennikerfarmersmarket.us.
Pittsfield Farmers’ Market: Dustin Park. Mid June-mid October, Thursdays, 3-5:30 p.m. Local farm fresh vegetables, fruits in season, baked goods, bread, jams, jellies, soaps, cut flowers, annuals, perennials, herbs, specialty products. Rain or shine, 435-7695. nan@adamsonhouse.com.
Wilmot Farmers’ Market: Wilmot Town Green, near bandstand. July 1-September 30, Saturdays, 9 a.m-12 p.m. Vegetables, baked goods, meats, maple syrup, plants, cut flowers, honey, jams, jellies, herbal soaps, crafts, wool products. Local entertainment. Rain or shine, 371-0849. www.wilmotfarmersmarket.com. information@wilmotfarmersmarket.com.
ROCKINGHAM
Deerfield Farmers’ Market: Old Center Rd. Early summer-early autumn, Fridays, 3-7 p.m. Fruits, vegetables, crafts, meats, jams, jellies, baked goods, plants. Hay rides, music, magic. Rain or shine, 463-8812. deerfieldfarmersmarket@hotmail.com.
Exeter: Swasey Parkway, June-October, Thursdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Featuring locally grown products, certified organic products, prepared foods, baked goods, arts and crafts. 778-6003 (in season hotline).
Hampton: Sacred Heart School parking lot, Lafayette Rd., June-October, Tuesdays, 3-6 p.m. Featuring locally grown products, certified organic products, prepared foods, baked goods, arts and crafts. 778-6003 (in season hotline).
Kingston: The Plains, Main St., June-October, Tuesdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Featuring locally grown products, certified organic products, prepared foods, baked goods, arts and crafts. 778-6003 (in season hotline).
Nottingham Farmers’ Market: Blaisdell Memorial Library parking lot, 129 Stage Rd., Mid July-mid September, Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Fresh local produce and plants. 679-8484.
Stratham: Stratham Hill Park, June-October, Wednesdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Featuring locally grown products, certified organic products, prepared foods, baked goods, arts and crafts. 778-6003 (in season hotline).
STRAFFORD
Barrington Farmers’ Market: Rts. 9 & 125, across from Calef’s Country Store. May-October, Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Fruits, vegetables, plants, cut flowers, eggs, mushrooms. 749-0377.
Dover: Henry Law Park, June-October, Wednesdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Featuring locally grown products, certified organic products, prepared foods, baked goods, arts and crafts. 778-6003 (in season hotline).
Durham: Pettee Brook Lane parking lot, June-October, Mondays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Featuring locally grown products, certified organic products, prepared foods, baked goods, arts and crafts. 778-6003 (in season hotline).
Portsmouth: City Hall parking lot, Junkins Ave., May-November, Saturdays, 8 a.m.-1p.m. Featuring locally grown products, certified organic products, prepared foods, baked goods, arts and crafts. 778-6003 (in season hotline).
SULLIVAN
Claremont Farmers’ Market: Broad Street Park. June 1-October 12, Thursdays, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Produce, fresh bread, baked goods, eggs, flowers, fudge, herbs, honey, jams, jellies, maple syrup, meats, plants, seed, soaps, handcrafted clothing, quilts, gifts. Free entertainment, children’s activities weekly, and Celebrate NH Farmers’ Market week. Rain or shine, 542-8687. claremontmarket@aol.com; www.claremontmarket.org.
Cornish Farmers’ Market: Cornish Flat. May-October, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Seasonal produce, baked goods, bread, organic meats, crafts, maple products, plants. Apple and pumpkin festivals. Rain or shine, 542-6323. ara8@earthlink.net.
Newport Farmers’ Market: on the common, North Main St. June 9 - October 13, Fridays, 3-6 p.m. Fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, breads, pastries, cookies, candies, soaps, meats, eggs, preserves, wool products, food concessions. Rain or shine, 863-4847.
newportfarmersmarket@adelphia.net.
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