SMYRNA, Maine — The parking lot of the Brookside Inn and Restaurant can be a little crowded these days, thanks to the addition of the area’s second “farmer’s market.”
Each Wednesday, from 4-7 p.m. until Oct. 17, local artisans can sell their crafts, goods and other items as part of the new farmer’s market in Smyrna. Roxanne Bruce of Ludlow organized the market as a second option to the market in Houlton for local vendors to sell their products.
“Smyrna is a great location, and the Brookside Inn is just off the highway,” Bruce said. “My company works with Marley Mountain Poultry located in Smyrna and they were hoping to find a market they could make it to.”
Bruce said 14 different vendors have signed up for space, but not all of those vendors will likely be at the market at the same time. A Facebook page has been created, where she posts live information on which vendors have arrived on each Wednesday.
“Our first day we had five vendors with chickens, bunnies and quail for swap and lots of seeds for swap,” she said. “We will have fruits, veggies, state certified processed poultry, fiber products, Native artists, hand crafted soaps, locations, jams and jellies, and baked goods. There will be animals and seeds for swap as folks sign up.”
Bruce said she did not feel that the addition of a second market would have any negative effect on the Community Market held each Saturday in Houlton.
“I think the Smyrna market is a great compliment to the Houlton Market,” she said. “As the season progresses, folks will be able to get fresh local products in Houlton on Saturday and in Smyrna on Wednesday. With the two different times of days, it also allows people to fit it into busy schedules.”
