BRATTLEBORO-Vendor applications are now being accepted for the 19th season of the Brattleboro Winter Farmers' Market, the only five-month, weekly indoor market in the greater Brattleboro region.
The Winter Market will open for the 2024–25 season on Saturday, Nov. 2, and will operate through March 29, 2025. The market is held in the Croker Gymnasium on the Winston Prouty Campus (former Austine School) and weekly market hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Organizers said in a news release that the market's mission "is to support sustainable agriculture by providing a viable winter-season direct market outlet for local community-based farms while building community and promoting regional sustainability. Equitable access to locally produced food is also an important component of this market."
A wide array of products are typically offered, including locally grown and produced fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, and baked goods; handcrafted items, such as clothing, jewelry, pottery, and soaps; lunch menus; and more.
In considering new vendors, organizers said preference "is given to regional agricultural vendors, particularly those bringing new unduplicated products to market. This is a juried market. New vendors or returning vendors with new craft, prepared food, or value-added products will need to complete a jury process."
The market's sustainability mission places an emphasis on local sourcing for prepared foods sold at the market, meaning that prepared food vendors are expected to feature ingredients sourced from local and regional growers and producers.
The Brattleboro Winter Farmers' Market is a project of Post Oil Solutions, a grassroots citizen sustainability group based in Windham County whose goal as described in the news release is "(1)to raise awareness about sustainable practices for our homes, neighborhoods, and larger communities, and help create the infrastructure needed in our region as we deal with our changing climate. The creation of a community-based food system is a critical component of that infrastructure, as is supporting winter season access to local producers."
The application deadline for new vendors is Sept. 1. Those interested in participating as vendors in the upcoming Winter Farmers' Market season can find the application and market policy information at brattleborowinterfarmersmarket.org. For more information, contact Market Manager Sherry Maher at 802-275-2835 or farmersmarket@postoilsolutions.org.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.