Some of the many vendors and customers at the opening of the Winter Farmers’ Market at the Housy Dome in Housatonic on Saturday, Nov. 22. Photos by Shaw Israel Izikson.
Housatonic — The new season of the Winter Farmers’ Market started at the Housatonic Community Center, aka The Housy Dome, on Saturday, November 22.
The market is organized by local nonprofit Berkshire Grown, an organization dedicated to supporting and promoting local farms throughout Berkshire County.
The Winter Farmers’ Market will be held at the Housy Dome from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every third Saturday of the month until April.
Almost half an hour before the first market opened on the morning of November 22, more than 50 people stood in line in the cold and rain waiting to get inside the Housy Dome.
More than 50 residents gather outside of the Housy Dome waiting in the cold and rain minutes before the Winter Farmers’ Market opened on Nov. 22. Photo by Shaw Israel Izikson.Residents wait patiently for the first Winter Farmers’ Market of the season to open. Photo by Shaw Israel Izikson.
According to Berkshire Grown Executive Director Margaret Moulton, there are 25 vendors participating in this season’s market.
“I’m not surprised that people gathered outside to wait to come into the market,” Moulton told The Berkshire Edge. “This is a great market and a great way to get fresh produce throughout the year. The market is a community gathering spot where people can hang out with their friends.”
Berkshire Grown Executive Director Margaret Moulton at the first Winter Farmers’ Market of the season at the Housy Dome on Nov. 22. Photo by Shaw Israel Izikson.
Offerings at this year’s market will include produce from Indian Line Farm, Hawk Dance Farm, and Hawk Dance Farm; meat and dairy products from High Lawn Farm, Dandelion Hill Farm, and Chaseholm Farm; baked goods from Berkshire Mountain Bakery, and Pastries by Hanna; and grilled foods from The Farm at New Marlborough.
High Lawn Farm employees Mark Benson and Rachel Fuller. The Lee-based farm sells a variety of dairy goods, including cheese, butter, and milk. Photo by Shaw Israel Izikson.Peter Martin and Melissa Martin of Dandelion Hill Farm in Sheffield. The farm sells a variety of produce, cheese, and meats. “The reason why the markets are so popular is because everything sold here is local,” Peter Martin said. “Everything is fresh, and these are all products that you can’t find at box stores. Any farm-based goods at box stores are usually shipped to the store from thousands of miles away.” Photo by Shaw Israel Izikson.John Jasmin, owner of Bash Bish Honey of Copake, N.Y. “There are so many people who come to these markets because this is the only way people can get fresh produce and vegetables,” Jasmin said. Photo by Shaw Israel Izikson.Deb Rocque, co-owner of Justamere Tree Farm of Worthington, Mass., selling maple-based products including syrup, pecan candy, and cream. Photo by Shaw Israel Izikson.Damon Clift, co-owner of Hawk Dance Farm in Hillsdale, N.Y., selling an assortment of vegetables. “The market is always popular because we all sell a wide variety of goods, including vegetables, fruits, and handmade items,” Clift said. “We all appreciate everybody’s patronage.” Photo by Shaw Israel Izikson.
The market welcomes customers receiving SNAP and HIP benefits, with SNAP shoppers receiving a Market Match of up to $30 per market.
For more information about the Winter Farmers’ Market, as well as information on other winter markets throughout the region, visit Berkshire Grown’s website.
These exemptions reduce all or a portion of real estate taxes for eligible households. Eligibility generally relates to age, domicile, income, disability status, ownership history, and assets.
Following concerns that the developers did not provide sufficient data on noise levels, the Board of Health voted unanimously not to recommend the proposal to the Planning Board.
