THANK YOU for Saving the Coventry Regional Farmers' Market!!!
To the THOUSANDS who showed support for The Coventry Regional Farmers’ Market, we have an exciting update! The farm market has a SAFE AND LASTING HOME! The market has a new, ten-year arrangement that keeps the farmers’ market at the Hale Homestead!
The Coventry Regional Farmers’ Market stays at the Hale Homestead!
“This is excellent news for the residents of Coventry and the farmers market,” said state Agriculture Commissioner Steven K. Reviczky. “I commend the Town of Coventry and the farmer’s market for their work to ensure this great Connecticut tradition was not lost. Connecticut has a rich agricultural history, one that we want to encourage and expand.”
Of the state’s 125 farmers’ markets, the Coventry Regional Farmers’ Market, now in its eighth year of operation, is one of the largest and most heavily attended. In 2011, it accounted for $500,000 in sales and was visited by over 75,000 people.
A peek at the 10-Year Arrangement with the Hale Homestead Museum
According to Winter Caplanson, Executive Director of Bridges Healthy Cooking School, the nonprofit that oversees the Coventry Regional Farmers’ Market, “This is a 10 year agreement between Connecticut Landmarks, the Town of Coventry, and Bridges Healthy Cooking School, and includes terms we can meet and the construction of our barn. After construction, we will transfer ownership of the barn to the town who will maintain it and oversee and promote rental of the barn for public events.
40% of rental fees, each, will go to CTL and to us, which may be an important revenue generator for both non-profits, 20% will go to the town to cover maintenance costs. The agreement also includes 4 "extra" days of use of the barn/property for us and 5 evenings for meetings and workshops. This additional time will allow us to expand our programming taking advantage of the barn as a hub for activities and also shelter for workshops in the case of inclement weather.
A "special use" permit or traffic review is no longer required because the facility has already been functioning in this capacity. We’re very grateful to John Elsesser as Coventry's leadership stepped up big time to make this happen.”
Thousands signed the petition and Let their Voices be Heard! THANK YOU!
Trudy Mitchell: Bolton, CT: “Every activity in CT that brings community together in such a positive way should continue unrestricted and unfettered. Additionally, such a great Farmers' Market in Coventry brings tourism into the area - all pluses for Connecticut's economic future and the people who live here.”
Cathy Mitchell: Coventry, CT: “The CRFM has added so much to our town. It brings in much needed business as well as tourism dollars. We own the Daniel Rust House B&B & nearly all our guests visit..and re-visit the market. It is a feather in this towns cap.”
Tricia Staley, Norwich, CT: “The Coventry Regional Farmers' Market reaches well beyond Coventry, both for vendors and consumers. From a financial policy perspective, if we are to fulfill Gov. Malloy's stated goal of keeping/creating jobs in Connecticut, here's an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that commitment. This is direct support for agriculture and small business -- local and regional. State agencies should be doing everything they can to make this easier, not harder and more costly.”
MaryLynne Boisvert, Bristol, CT: “I am one of the vendors and if the market does not run, I will lose 20% of my income.”
Stephen Gronda, Glen Cove, NY: “I am a former Nutmegger and lived in Coventry for several years. I am also an environmental professional, and a Planning Board member. Traffic studies are often filled with "Consultant Verbiage," such as:"While the roadway and intersection as presently situated are considered Failed, with minor lighting adjustments this situation can be improved." Hmmmm!. I regularly go to farmer's markets in NY and believe that positives of such a market so exceed any environmental issues arising out of its possible slight expansion that hindrance should be avoided.”
Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc, Elfers, FL: “PLEASE, PLEASE keep this wonderful venue, open. As a person who lives in an area where NOTHING hand-crafted, made with love, unique and even useful is welcomed or even considered, I can't tell you how much it means to me to visit places that do give such variety and wondrous offerings. I don't live anywhere near this market, but I can assure you, as surely as I'm sitting here typing this plea, that if I did, I'd not only visit, but also participate...”
Cheryll Moreau: Coventry, CT: “I have been attending the Farmers Market since its beginning and have only seen the benefits it has given to this area and to our town and local residence. If there has never been a need for a traffic study before why now? Who's fingers are in this one and don't blame it on a barn because a barn is not what would bring more traffic. Why does it seem every time something good and wholesome comes along from someone’s hard work there is always someone else that wants to throw a road block in the way. Lets preserve this great event and do everything we can to see it last for a great many years to come. Many Thanks to the Farmers Market Committee!”
