To the Editor,

Having a farmers’ market in Conimicut Village has brought new life to a community that has sought business and excitement to move to the village. The market has brought people out of their homes, reacquainting old friends and meeting new neighbors.

Conimicut Village Association, would like to express our appreciation to Toyin Wilcox, owner of The Village Restaurant, by giving CVA use of her parking lot at no charge. Toyin is thrilled to be a new part of community and meet new people, as she awaits the opening of her new Nigerian Cuisine restaurant and banquet hall. This would not be possible if Toyin had not been so generous and wanting to help the community; she is a treasure to our village.

This week another generous community minded neighbor offered to pay the fees for all vendors, sponsoring the market for this coming Saturday, August 10th; George and Stephanie Shuster have offered to pay the vendors fees, giving them a monetary relief. There will be more sponsored markets in the near future; those who have signed up for two or more markets get a free space August 24th; thanks to EPV Insurance Services, a local resident who guides people with their Medicare, life insurance and annuity products. We are always looking for others to donate only $250 to sponsor more markets. This Saturday there will be 36 vendors, the list is posted on: www.conimicut.org.

Many vendors work all week or in their spare time, on baking breads and goodies, building their craft or growing their gardens; they appreciate these markets to help pay the bills. If you charge the vendors too much, they cannot make their profit, so we keep the fee at $15 for those who come 3 or more times. We also do not charge those who provide us with their produce, plants or flowers; they are the draw to the market, so we want to make sure we keep them happy. We also give 2-spots each week to not-for-profit, non-political organizations like the Girl Scouts or help agencies.

CVA started this Farmers Market primarily to show the community we can support small businesses and hard-working entrepreneurs. CVA is not out to make a lot of money; we want to build a community of happy people who are thankful of everyone’s support.

The money raised goes to the beautification of the village with flower baskets, ground pots and their care, Art Festival, American Flags, Wreaths, Banners, Easter Egg Hunt, Christmas in the Village with Santa, Village Tag Sale and so much more. CVA is supported by member dues of only $10 a year. Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of every month at the Woodbury Church on Beach Ave, lower level. All are welcome, not just members.

Many businesses in the village also support the Farmers’ Market by opening their doors on Saturdays. A nice stroll down the flower lined sidewalks in the village, with your stroller or dog, is a common sight as villagers enjoy what the village has to offer. There are even vendors at Tiger Eye Gift Shop, baked goods and coffee at Namaste, as well as lunch at Grainsley’s or La Familia Tacos. It is a nice day to enjoy life.

The Farmer’s Market is every Saturday from 9 to 12 at 955 West Shore Rd. New vendors and sponsors are welcome by emailing conimicutvillage@gmail.com. WIC Farmer’s Market Benefits & SFMNP accepted.

This Little Piggy went to the Market; don’t be the Little Piggy who stayed home! If vendors can put in their hard work and sweat to sell, you can certainly shop for an hour and buy your fresh produce and goodies.

Leslie Derrig
President of the Conimicut Village Association