Nonprofit Spotlight: Windham Farmers' Market

 A local tradition in town is about to make its annual return as the Windham Farmers’ Market is preparing to welcome shoppers again next month.

The Windham Farmers' Market is seeking new seasonal
and daily vendors for the 2023 market.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

Located on Turning Leaf Drive in North Windham, the Windham Farmers’ Market will be open every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from May 20 until Sept. 30.

According to Lisa Fisher, Windham Farmers’ Market coordinator, the market strives to support area farmers, food producers and artisans through a venue where they can sell their products and to offer improved community access to fresh, healthy, and affordable local foods.

“We are a maker’s market. Our vendors have locally raised, created, or produced the items they sell,” Fisher said. “I find many appealing aspects to the market. It is easy to get to, located on Turning Leaf Drive, at the intersection of River Road and Route 302 in North Windham. There is adequate parking available. The marketplace provides enough space for comfortable shopping. We have fun things for kids to do. Our vendors have a variety of food and artisanal items. There is fresh air and sunshine. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning.”

Fisher says the market offers a unique opportunity for vendors to gain public exposure, and to cultivate customers for those who have an existing business or who are working to promote a new business.

“For other vendors, their market booth is not a primary business. They are creating something that other people will enjoy using; it provides some income; and enjoyment in meeting those who appreciate their craft. Either way, our market is a supportive venue to accomplish their goals,” she said. “We advertise locally, and the market’s social media promotes our vendors and their products as well as providing contact information for each vendor. Our vendor fees are reasonable, and we offer the option of being either a seasonal vendor or visiting vendor. We still have a few vendor openings available.”

The vendor list for this year’s Windham Farmers’ Market is not yet complete, but Fisher says she’s excited about those who will be a part of this year’s lineup.

“So far, we have agricultural vendors who will bring fresh produce, eggs, herbs, Angus beef, microgreens, honey, flowers, and potted plants. We will have tasty fresh sweet and savory baked items, breads, and sweets,” she said. ““Our artisan vendors sew, macrame, crochet, quilt, weave baskets, create jewelry and glass art, and coax charcuterie and cutting boards, bowls, and other vessels from raw wood. We also welcome a variety of visiting vendors throughout the summer. Saturday morning, before the weekend gets into full swing, is a good time to do what can’t be done during the week. Our market lets you shop and wander and relax outside with your family and friends.”

New vendors considering joining the market will find that it is truly a platform for small businesses to thrive.

“The Windham Farmers’ Market has a two-fold commitment to supporting local farmers, food producers, and artisans in their pursuit of economic viability; and in providing a vehicle for improved community access to fresh, healthy, and affordable local foods, and that’s what the first paragraph of our mission statement reads,” Fisher said. “The best compliment that the market has received is from the vendors and customers who return to us every summer. It is the people who enjoy seeing us on social media, and who come each week to shop and visit. Our customers welcome the chance to explore the market each week. Sometimes they know just what they want to buy, but just as often they come to shop for the new and different things that are available.”

The market is authorized to accept SNAP and throughout the summer it invites civic organizations to the market for public outreach. Its schedule of market guests and events is always changing and allows the market to take advantage of opportunities as they arise and to enrich its environment.

“We have something for everyone, and everyone involved in the market has contributed to making it an enjoyable place to be,” Fisher said. “This is our sixth year and I still meet people who didn’t know that Windham has a Farmers’ Market. I invite everyone to come and see us.”

For more information, visit www.WindhamFarmersMarket.com and find them on Facebook at WindhamFarmersMarket. Their email address is farmersmarket@windhammaine.us or call 207-894-4097. <