What's Happening in Hartford, CT…

An unusual regional market opened in Hartford recently, according to an article in the Hartford Courant.

The nonprofit effort, which is operated by Connecticut's Department of Agriculture, drew almost 100 farmers from all over the state. In the spring, they sell plants and shrubs to be planted; in the summer, they bring in mature produce; and in the fall, pumpkins and apples go on sale.

In addition to the seasonal items, the market sells wine, prepared food, and dairy and produce farmers, who sell wholesale to retailers and other farmers. In addition, and most unusually, it also sells to retail customers, whereas most food markets of this nature sell only wholesal.

The market has thousands of fans, many of them gardeners, who visit it each week. Despite its popularity, many residents still do not know about it, even though the Department of Agriculture has been publicizing it for the last two years. Wholesalers, though, are well aware of the market, and usually shop between 4:00 am and 6:00 am, so they can open their own stores. Retail customers can shop from 6:00 am until 9:00 am on weekends.

Flyer printing companies have been very successful in creating useful handouts to assist customers, by listing hours of operation, vendors, their locations within a specific venue, and even the products they offer for sale.