Editor’s Note: The following is the first of a two-part series.
Autumn often brings to mind images of back-to-school shopping, hot apple cider on chilly afternoons, and vividly colored foliage. In recent years, however, a new image has emerged in Houlton — that of a lively farmers’ market where area growers and producers gather to showcase the best of their best.
Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, visitors to Houlton’s Market Square can find locally-grown grains, fresh organic fruit and vegetables, artisanal breads, cheese and jellies, along with handmade jewelry, crafts and other one-of-a-kind items. Attracting market-goers from southern Aroostook and beyond, the Houlton Community Market has subtly yet significantly improved the health of the town of Houlton and its residents.
Since its inception in 2009, the Houlton Community Market has helped transform the town’s Market Square into a vibrant, social gathering place on Saturday mornings from Memorial Day weekend through October. The beauty of this historic Shiretown surrounds the open-air market, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors and fostering a sense of unique pride among area residents.
Second generation organic farmer and Market vendor Wilson Hilty finds it noteworthy that a market square that people would have used years ago to bring their produce to sell is again being used for that purpose today. “That’s really unique,” Hilty says. In fact, it is the near-tangible energy and sense of community that most vendors love about being a part of the Houlton Community Market.
Vendors and shoppers alike look forward to the social atmosphere in Market Square on Saturday mornings. Donald Keiser, of Keiser Angoras, home to many Angora rabbits and Angora home-spun yarn, particularly enjoys the open-air setting of the Market, and feels that this aspect helps stimulate the welcoming, social atmosphere.
“The outdoor market promotes getting people outdoors into the fresh air and sunshine, and it facilitates making new friends,” states Keiser. “In our experience, the Market has brought people into contact with others for friendly interaction and in some cases new, ongoing relationships. Anything that facilitates people getting to know their neighbors is good for the community.”
Tammie Mulvey of Pleasant View Tree Farm, a family-owned and -operated business that offers Christmas trees, wreaths and a variety of fruit and flowering plants, shrubs and trees, agrees with Keiser’s observation, stating, “The aura at the market is beyond explanation. It is all about local people supporting local farmers and producers. It brings back the old community atmosphere that is so desperately needed.”
Kathryn Harnish of Took A Leap Farm, which offers a variety of artisanal goat cheese, commented, “Saturday mornings are tons of fun at the market, which has lots of diverse local vendors — fresh salsa, seasonal produce, baked goods, nursery plants, soap, goat cheese, jewelry, and much more! The whole community comes together and the energy is wonderful.”
Additionally, jewelry designer Jill Plummer of Let’s Jewel Around feels that “the market has a very relaxing and friendly atmosphere that everyone seems to enjoy. On many occasions, I see people out for a morning stroll with family or friends, just for fun.”
Barb London, a regular vendor who sells wildflower jellies and honey, loves that the market “draws people to downtown Houlton where they can see, sample and purchase a wide variety of products and crafts they otherwise wouldn’t experience.”
Jerry Doxdader of Bark-Eater Farm, agrees that the Houlton Community Market “is a gathering place, especially for people moving back to Houlton.” Doxdader credits the success of the market in part to the mutual appreciation of both the vendors and the shoppers.
Doxdader remembers a time when he thanked a customer for making a purchase of fresh produce, and the customer thanked him for being there. According to Doxdader, “more than the financial reward, it is the customer appreciation” that he finds encouraging, and makes his participation in the market worthwhile.
First-time Market visitor Julie Codrey commented that “The market is awesome … it gets people out and socializing so that they’re not isolated.” Also, customer Bonnie Hunt shared her observation that the market “is great — I’m here to pick up some fresh, locally-grown tomatoes, cucumbers and string beans, as well as some homemade bread. I’m going to pick up some extra bread for my kids to keep them in the loop, too.”
The engaging atmosphere of the Houlton Community Market provides a great networking opportunity for young business owners who can mingle with shoppers and vendors to find out the needs of the community. The Market also offers an outlet for entrepreneurs to sell their goods on a small-scale level. According to Jacquie Morse of Bee Morse Farm, which offers local organic herbal spa treatments and lip balms, “Our local market is really a blessing. It offers the community a chance to be creative and is the perfect place for people like me to embrace a side business complete with a place to sell merchandise in a friendly, energetic atmosphere.”
