05/22/2008
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Staff photo by David Leamingfrom the Kennebec Journal
Rep. Pingree hears varied proposals for health-care solutions
HALLOWELL Fire that cut communications labeled arson
MONMOUTH Police defended after slim budget rejection
State's schools chief to parley
Wasser will lead newsrooms at KJ, Sentinel and in Portland
BRIEFS
Hockey still in picture for Harrington
Portland boxer to face legend's son
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from the Kennebec Journal
from the Morning Sentinel
$1.3 MILLION FOR HEALTHREACH
Families Matter grows to meet special needs
Chellie Pingree listens to ideas on health care reform
FARMINGTON Rain alters plans for 4th of July
District regroups after budget failure
Vote on county budget hits snag
Burnham driver wins checkered flag at 2 tracks on same day
Maine boxer gets unique opportunity
All of today's:
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from the Morning Sentinel
"I've got a little slime in my mouth," he finally concluded.
"That goes away," said vendor Sarah Smith of Grassland Farm in Skowhegan. She had warned the man that most Mainers eat fiddleheads cooked.
While raw fiddleheads might be an acquired taste, central Maine residents are proving that shopping at farmers' markets is not.
With sponsorship from MaineGeneral Health, more visibility within the community and customers becoming savvier about local and organic products, the Downtown Waterville Farmers' Market has grown significantly in its first years of operation.
Since its inception in 2006, the market has grown in the number of vendors and customers, as well as in its organization and sponsorship.
"I've definitely seen an increase," customer Elise Richbolton said of the number of patrons stopping by. Richbolton added that she has seen more customers that don't fit the stereotype of those who shop local and organic products.
Vendor Kendra Michaud, owner of Fire Flour Bakery of Montville, has also witnessed the market's growth, especially in the past year. "We started out taking up only half of (the market's current) space. É We have more vendors and more customers."
The market recently received a significant grant from MaineGeneral Health. Funds have been used to develop special promotions, such as a "Frequent Shopper Card," designed to bring customers in and keep them coming back each week.
Smith commends MaineGeneral for its efforts. "MaineGeneral has been awesome, and with good reason. There's a huge problem with obesity and lack of nutrition. ... Good food is the basis of good health."
A prime location on The Concourse in the center of downtown has added visibility, vendors see increasing awareness and familiarity in regard to the market's products.
Says Michaud, "I think customers are coming in and seeing how local products that were picked that day for produce are just better."
Richbolton, on the other hand, stresses the personal connection with vendors and the accountability it brings. "You feel better buying stuff from somebody who has put the work in," she said.
"Their name is on it."
As the Waterville Farmers' Market has grown, it has also diversified in terms of its customers and its vendors.
Customer Laura Meader, a staff member at Colby College, has observed a significant number of local college students, especially those who live off-campus, making use of the Farmers' Market.
Part of the market's appeal, says Fred Nassar of Eagle View Gardens of Winslow, is that "A farmers' market is ... also a pretty good area to socialize."
The products sold at the market have diversified along with their consumers. Offerings include fresh vegetables, meat, dairy products, baked goods, and even nonfood products like soaps and flowers.
Richbolton was drawn in by Grassland Farms' "delicious maple milk," while the nonfood products bring in more casual shoppers.
Said one customer as he examined the stand of A Page-n-Thyme Farm, Garden & Soap Company, "I'm a tourist, so I'm not here to stock up on vegetables."
With the Waterville Farmers' Market continuing to grow in size and popularity, it, unlike the slimy taste of a raw fiddlehead, appears here to stay.
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