Tag Archives: Tilton Winter Farmers’ Market

Winter Farmers’ Market Seeking New Home

JoanWithBreakwind

We issued the following as a press release last week. Please spread the word and help the winter market find a new home!

The Tilton Winter Farmers’ Market has satisfied the local food needs of thousands of area residents for the past four years, and is currently seeking a new home to expand its operation. Market founder Joan O’Connor is actively looking for a creative, community-spirited partner who can provide a site and site-related services for the coming winter season, December 2015 through March 2016; she is also considering expanding to a year-round market.

“I’ve been so grateful for four years for the support of Autoserv Dealerships of Tilton,” said Joan O’Connor. “They stepped up and did a really good thing, not only for the Tilton community, but for communities far and wide.” Autoserv offered O’Connor a reasonable lease of the market’s former location on Route 3 in Tilton, but has recently found a year-round tenant for the space. According to O’Connor, the ideal indoor market location will have great road access and visibility, be 12-15,000 square feet with at least 75 parking spaces (plus 50 for vendors), and will be minimally heated. Although the market has had great success in the Lakes Region, O’Connor is expanding her view to include other parts of the state. “I can take this anywhere,” said O’Connor. The market was named Editor’s Pick for the Best of New Hampshire 2013 awards in New Hampshire Magazine. “We had 50 vendors in the Tilton space, but I have a waiting list of 100 vendors wishing they could get in—not to mention a steady stream of 1,200 to 1,600 customers coming through every weekend. For a business interested in doing something great for their community and for local economic development, as well as assuming a high-profile leadership role, this is a win win.” O’Connor also seeks donations and financial support for the expansion and relocation initiative.

Joan O’Connor, a resident of Henniker, New Hampshire, has long been active on both agriculture and farmers’ markets initiatives in New Hampshire. She founded the successful Concord Winter Farmers’ Market before moving on to Tilton four years ago, and has been active as a volunteer on a variety of issues affecting small farms and producers in the state. She currently serves as a board member for the Northeast Organic Farmers Association of New Hampshire (NOFA-NH). Most recently, she strategized with her state representative and senator to bring forward Senate Bill 99, which is poised to allow beer and wine tasting at farmer’s markets, joining several other states in the country offering market outreach to this growing sector of local wineries and microbreweries.

Interested citizens or business owners who have thoughts about a perfect location for a thriving indoor farmers’ market, or businesses and individuals interested in providing financial support, should contact Joan O’Connor by phone at 603.496.1718 or by email at joconnornh@yahoo.com. For more information about the Tilton Winter Farmers’ Market, visit http://www.TiltonWinterFarmersMarket.com.

Photo Caption: Joan O’Connor, with Patti and Rick MacMillan from Breakwind Farm, at the 2015 Tilton Winter Farmers’ Market.

Check outConcord Monitor Article about our quest for new space!

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Market Cruises Into Spring, Still Going Strong!

twfmcarrotsWith three wonderful weeks to go, the Tilton Winter Farmers’ Market is in full gear, bringing you the best of late winter, early spring goodies, rousing music and good conversation with winter-weary neighbors. The 2014-2015 season has been a huge success, and the market has become a regular Saturday destination for many hundreds of shoppers. Plans are already in the works for next year’s market but, for now, please join us in finishing off this season with a bang.

Stop by at today’s market for a hot, crispy, freshly made cider donut, a cup of coffee and a relaxed hour or two of shopping and chatting. If you’re here at lunch time, you’ll want to grab a cup of soup or a few of the other delectable hot lunch offerings. Don Bartenstein will be back to fill the space with music and sing us into spring.

Thanks to all of you who support the market every week. Our (fifty plus) vendors are more than grateful for your energy, dollars and word-of-mouth marketing that has made the market such a success. The best way you can continue to support them is to make a long, long shopping list and fill a couple of bags today.

Coming up on the end of the season, we want to extend continuing thanks to AutoServ of Tilton for the time, energy and resources they give to the market. We wouldn’t be here without them!

The last market of the season will be Saturday, March 28. We’re here from 10 to 2 on Saturdays. Come, and bring a friend or two. It’s time to stock up for spring!!

 

Support Local Small Businesses: Shop at the Farmers Market!

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Have you noticed all the unusual (and often tasty) products turning up at our farmers market lately? Of course, any good farmers market is built on a foundation of fresh farm produce, meats and eggs, and the Tilton Winter Farmers’ Market has those basics covered, and more. Beyond the basics, though, local entrepreneurs are finding vibrant farmers markets like ours are a great venue for bringing new and different products to the public.

It’s a win-win proposition. When customers come to the Tilton Winter Farmers’ Market, they’re always struck by the breadth of offerings, and sometimes pretty surprised. This winter, we were joined by Rock Salt Creamery of Sanbornton, with their vegan ice cream. That’s right: it may be cold outside, but it’s the perfect time to sample one of their sweet, healthy, delicious cashew-based ice cream treats! It’s 100 percent organic, raw, and delicious, and they offer many options that are gluten-free—all dairy free, of course. You won’t be disappointed!

After your ice cream treat, you’ll be ready for a warm, crispy cider donut and a cup of freshly roasted coffee. Maybe a gluten-free cookie, or a nibble of artisan cheese? Gourmet popcorn, fresh guacamole and all kinds of savory and sweet treats await you at the Tilton Winter Farmers’ Market. We know you’ll fill your bag with farm-raised meats, vegetables, eggs and all the basics, too, so you’ll go home with a ridiculously yummy assortment of good stuff.

Whichever vendors you choose to support (and we hope you support a bunch), you’ll know that you’re playing an important role in supporting the local economy. Putting a dollar or two directly in the hands of a farmers market vendor is one of the best ways you can support your local economy, while taking home some great products at the same time.

See you at the market! We’ll be there every Saturday through March, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.