By Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — Aroostook’s flora and fauna have long since come out of hibernation, and now the region’s taste buds can follow their lead as the Caribou Farmers’ Market celebrates its Grand opening this afternoon, starting at 3 p.m.
With fresh and home-grown goodness, healthy foods and live music, organizers have coordinated a kick-off celebration for another successful year of the Caribou Farmers’ Market.
Vendors confirmed as of Monday afternoon were:
• Salmon Brook Valley, featuring maple syrup products and jellies;
• Farmhouse Greenhouse, featuring veggie seedlings, annuals, perennials, herbs and crafts;
• Noyes Flower & Plant Shop, selling fresh flowers and plants;
• Sunrise Farm, featuring lamb, jams and jellies;
• O’Meara Family Farm, selling organic yogurt, cheese, milk, eggs and stone garden art;
• Orchard Hill Farm, selling certified organic beef; and
• Talk of the Town Farm, selling raw goat’s milk and cheese.
As the growing season progresses, vendors at the farmers market will come and go to bring Caribou residents the freshest locally grown produce available.
“Not every market day is going to be exactly the same,” Farmers’ Market organizer and Director of the Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce Jenny Coon said, adding that there will also be entertainment and educational aspects to the market throughout the season.
Today’s grand opening will feature extra flair, with face painting, free fruit smoothie giveaways, live music and even educational components.
Coon mentioned that studies are finding eating local to be more affordable than previously thought, “But also, you can’t put a price on your health,” she added.
Though it’s too early in the season for fresh vegetables, there’s still plenty of fresh locally grown food to plan a meal at the Caribou Farmers’ Market.
After last year’s market success, Coon created a Caribou Farmers’ Market Facebook page where customers can find out what will be at the market that week and where potential vendors can find information about joining the market.
“Also, we have a new Caribou Farmers’ Market Hotline, so if you want to know what’s new at the market, call 493-5923,” Coon said. “The Hotline is exclusively for Farmers Market news and questions.”
The Caribou Farmers’ Market is open twice a week, on Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. until noon at 159 Bennett Drive in Caribou.
