Building Community at the Lebanon Farmers’ Market

Nestled in the center of Colburn Park, with its vendors lining the pathways, is the Lebanon farmers’ market. Every farmers’ market has its own flair that makes it unique. This one speaks to a place of social gathering and community.

Nick Miller

I had the wonderful opportunity of visiting with some of the vendors and mingling with patrons to ask them about their own experience at this market.

I first spoke with Lauren Tillotson of Lo’s Bakehouse in Hartford, who specializes in custom cakes and desserts that made my mouth water. This is her second year at the Lebanon farmers’ market. I asked her how she sees farmers’ markets as being a valuable part of the community. She responded, “I think it’s amazing, you know, to get everybody out and about…I love meeting all the new people. And it is a great, great, great way for me to get my name out there.”

Nick Miller, a woodworker who makes the utmost meticulous laser designs in different forms, has been a vendor at the Lebanon farmers’ market for three or four years. He primarily does themed events like Renaissance fairs and festivals. He and his daughter live in Lebanon, and he enjoys being part of and involved with the community. As far as the value of farmers markets in communities, Nick said that “Lebanon has an interesting market in comparison to other markets. Lebanon is much more community oriented…In my opinion, this one kind of [seems] more, not so much a farmers’ market, but a community gathering in the area…There’s more to it here than other farmers’ markets. I think it’s great, that’s why I continue to come.”

Michael and Janice Novello

Danielle Pickles, known as “Pickles”, has lived in Lebanon for thirty years and comes to this market once a month to find what new food vendors she can try out. She finds farmers’ markets to be of a great value, and said, “I know a lot of people that do their sole business through farmers’ markets, and they get their name out through farmers’ markets…It’s really nice to just see the smaller communities get their name out there, otherwise how would they do it?”

Michael and Janice Novello came up from Florida to visit family, and this is their second year at the Lebanon farmers’ market. I asked how they see farmers’ markets being a valuable part of the community. Michael said, “I think it gives the local vendors a place to exhibit their wares, for the local community to take advantage of the local produce, and festivities, and so on. It aids the economy.” Janice commented, “It builds community. People here would not really see each other and then they might come every weekend and see each other, eventually making new friends. And it’s like a town center, so it’s a big appreciation for that. Where some towns don’t have that anymore. So, it’s very lucky that you have this here.”

Danielle Pickles

I asked them if there is a difference between the farmers’ markets where they live in Florida versus the Lebanon one. Michael said with a smile, “These are cooler. The ones in Florida mostly have produce and baked goods.” Janice stated, “There are a lot of organic growers. And honey. They’re big on local honey…but we don’t have the variety of foods here.”

The Lebanon farmers’ market is a wonderful place for businesses to get their names out and to support the local economy. A strong sense of community certainly was felt by everyone I spoke with, and the farmers’ market in Lebanon continues to be an opportunity for building and fostering community.