​Farmers’ Market opens today

The Champlain Islands Farmers' Market kicks off the season beginning at 10 a.m. today. * 2019 Islander file photo by ROB SWANSON, Islander Photojournalist.

By MIKE DONOGHUE
Islander Staff Writer
A revitalized twice-weekly Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market in Grand Isle County will open for the season today kicking off at 10 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church on U.S. 2 in Grand Isle.

Market President Patrick Helman of Isle La Motte said about two dozen vendors are expected to participate this Saturday and he expects that number to grow over the summer. 

He said the markets, which will run until Fall, will offer crafts, vegetables, fruits, canned goods, pasta, plants and baked goods, including the internationally known Parish Pie Ladies of Grand Isle County.

Helman, who is from Sandy Bottom Farm,  said last summer’s market proved successful even with some restrictions due to COVID-19 rules, including a limit of 18 vendors.  Helman said there will be less restrictions this summer to make a visit to either market even more of a pleasure and more like pre-COVID.

Helman also announced the market board has hired a new manager to oversee operations this summer.
Liz Inness-Brown of South Hero is an avid flower and vegetable gardener, a talented writer and an award-winning professor and will now serve as market manager.

Inness-Brown retired this month as an English professor at St. Michael’s College in Colchester and was looking for a gig to keep her busy.

“It’s a really, really important job,” he said.  The post is about 20 hours a week.
Helman said about 25 people applied and Inness-Brown ended up on the top.

​Saturday markets, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, U.S. 2 in Grand Isle.
The Wednesday markets will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church on U.S. 2 in South Hero.

---