By Justin Bigos, Staff Writer
As we turn the corner from mud season and head more deeply into spring, farmers’ markets will be setting up throughout the area as early as next month. With some markets under new leadership and others introducing new vendors and programming, the 2026 farmers’ market season promises to be bountiful.
Market on the Green: Wednesdays from June 3 to Oct. 28, 3-6 p.m.
Woodstock’s Market on the Green, coordinated by the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce, has a new person involved in its planning: Keri Ryan, who until this year ran the Capital City Farmers Market in Montpelier, and has just been brought on board as a consultant to the Chamber in Woodstock.
“We’re working on growing the agriculture category this year, so we have some exciting new farms joining us with everything from fresh apple cider to cut flowers and foliage, plus all of the produce, meats, and baked goods to round out the basket. One of the highlights about Market on the Green that I hear over and over is the amazing prepared food, which includes returning favorites like Shere Punjab and Yao Thai, and some exciting newcomers, Ravioli Ravioli and Double U Dough,” Ryan told the Standard.
Jim Kelly, the executive director of the Chamber, said of Ryan: “Keri comes with a plethora of experience from a much bigger farmers market in Montpelier. She’s extremely organized. She wants the market to be more successful than ever.”
While the total number of vendors is not yet finalized, Kelly told the Standard that the market will have fewer vendors this year, but will focus on an even more localized group of farmers. “We want to try and capture more of agriculture and the specific areas in Vermont where people want to see goods grow. We’ll have a flower purveyor there this year. I believe there’s some coffee coming, maybe a few more prepared foods, and a few more farms,” he said.
Local musician Jim Yeager will continue to coordinate live local entertainment at the market. “I’m sure there’ll be some repeat acts from last year that people really enjoy. That’s always a good vibe to add into the mix,” said Kelly.
The Woodstock Fire Department will be back this year to set up water activities on The Green, said Kelly, who added that the Woodstock Community Trust will also be a presence with informational booths.
Norwich Farmers’ Market: Saturdays, May 6 through Oct. 28, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The winter market just ended last weekend for the 40-year-old Norwich Farmers’ Market, which will begin its outdoor market the first weekend of May. According to the market’s website, “Our vendors sell only items grown, raised, created, or prepared by their Upper Valley-based business.”
Nica Mieloch-Blinn, manager of the Norwich Farmers’ Market, told the Standard, “We’ve got a few new young, up-and-coming farmers that we’re excited to add into the roster this year — a new veggie farmer, a few new meat folks. We’ve got a really highly recommended woman [from Atlas Conchas] who’s coming to make concha, a Mexican bread pastry. They’re really delicious, decorative, and fun, good for special events, but great with coffee,” said Mieloch-Blinn.
One of the largest markets in the region, Norwich Farmers’ Market, received a record number of applications from vendors this year. “Any day, we’ve got over 55 vendors, and we have at least 120 people in the mix to pull from. So, we’re lucky,” said Mieloch-Blinn.
New vendors this year include Bowman Farm, which will sell vegetables, cut flowers, and berries; Squirrel Wood Pottery, selling wheel-thrown porcelain utilitarian pieces; and Shere Punjab, cooking and selling freshly prepared Indian food.
Mt. Tom Farmers Market: Saturdays, May 23 through Oct. 10, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Mt. Tom Farmers Market heads into its 44th year of continuous operation. Held at the Saskadena Six parking lot in South Pomfret, the market offers free, accessible parking.
Two new managers are at the helm of the market this year: Cathy Gianfranceschi and Emily Vitols. “We are working towards a community-friendly experience. Our hope is to reach more people in the area and let them know where we are, and all are welcome,” Vitols told the Standard.
The market has about 10 “regular” vendors who have been standbys over the years, according to Gianfranceschi. Those vendors include: Emily and Clara Burkholder, who will sell sweet and savory baked goods; Gisele’s Studio (South Royalton), selling fiber creations; Doug Gibson (Enfield, N.H.), who will sell hand-carved spoons and tools, and wood creations; Lincoln Bridge Farm (Woodstock), which sells fresh produce; Curiosity Farm (Barnard), which will sell fresh produce and local eggs; and Yael Taylor (Woodstock), who will sell hand-woven goods and fiber arts.
“It’s an important place for local artisans and farmers to connect directly with the local community,” said Gianfranceschi. “We are a very small market that has a small but very dedicated following. We are trying to grow the number of vendors we have and make the surrounding communities aware of what we offer. The market does struggle from competition of larger events happening in the area throughout the season. Sometimes these events even block access for some of our customers to get to us on Saturday mornings.”
Hartland Farmers Market: Fridays, May 29 through Sept. 4, 4-6:30 p.m.
The Hartland Farmers Market, which takes place on the field in front of the Hartland Public Library, will be celebrating its 17th season this year.
“We are excited to offer many new full-season vendors, live music, a busy community booth, a young vendors program, and of course, the return of the community oven pizza nights. We are also looking forward to a new harvest-season chili cook-off that we are planning with other local organizations this October,” Crystal Stone, market manager, told the Standard.
New and returning vendors this year include Double U Dough, who will sell bagels, English muffins, and cookies; Jeezum Crochet, who will sell potholders, dishcloths, and scarves; The Charming Bull Boutique, who will sell earrings and trucker hats; Scremin Goods, who will sell plant starters, veggies, herbs, and microgreens; and Crystal Stone — the market manager — who will sell produce, eggs, baked goods, and a variety of crafts.
As for entertainment as well as educational opportunities, Stone said, “We have a variety of musicians, with Scott Forrest performing for the opening market. We have also started the Youth Vendor Program, where kids can learn about vending at the market and sell their own homemade or homegrown products.”
“This market gives Hartland and the surrounding towns a great place to interact and connect with their neighbors. People come to enjoy the ambiance, the food, the great variety of local products, and relax before the beginning of a busy weekend,” said Stone.