First Selectman Working to Bring Farmers Market to Downtown Bethel

During the next few weeks, First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker will be working with town workers and local businesses to organize a farmers market in downtown Bethel.

Anticipated to start in June, Knickerbocker said the future farmers market will be held on the front lawn of the  and will most likely occur on Thursdays in the late afternoons, either from 3-6 p.m. or 4-7 p.m. — a time convenient for commuters or families wanting to pick up fresh produce for dinner.  

"This is an opportunity for local farmers to sell fresh, locally-grown produce," Knickerbocker said. "There will also be a small section for people to sell pre-prepared food and baked goods."

In the initial planning, the First Selectman's office researched other local farmers markets, as far as Kent, in order to not create competition with their businesses and Thursday afternoons were a clear choice. Knickerbocker also said the non-conflicting time was chosen to give area farmers opportunity to sell at as many markets as possible. 

Overall, Knickerbocker said he hopes the new market will drive shoppers and news businesses to downtown Bethel.

"My primary goal is to not only creating shopping patterns but also to bring more people downtown and eventually fill our empty store fronts," he said. "This is all a part of my economic plan for Bethel."

Those wishing to get involved in organizing the farmers market or to sell produce can e-mail firstselectman@betheltownhall.org for more information.

Bethel currently has an active, seasonal farmers market located at 67 Stony Hill Road. Privately run, it runs from July to October on Wednesdays from 2-5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.