The Winooski Farmers Market returned to the Waterfront this last Sunday, punctuating the start of the post-COVID summer.

With businesses reopening, people going back to work and summer festivities starting again, the market returns from its year long hiatus with new and returning businesses and farms.

“I’m feeling very positive about the market and, moving forward through the summer, can feel an excited energy throughout the market despite just starting, I think that everyone is really excited to return to the market,” said Clara Duman, the market manager. “It’s nice to have a central event that the community can come and gather towards, and it’s nice to have events like this, especially after COVID.”

Last summer, the market closed down over COVID restrictions, making this summer's market the first chance in a year for many businesses to do outdoor events. Returning vendors such as Bergeron Farm, Last Resort Farm and Bee Happy Vermont all made appearances at the market, undeterred by the year-long hiatus.

“Great, great, great, best thing to have happened,” says Terry Bergeron of Bergeron Farm, when asked about how he feels returning to the Farmers Market. “Everyone’s looking to get back out, doing everything, the Coronavirus counts are way down now, and Vermont is one of the best states in the country, or is the best state in the country I guess.”

The market also has a number of new weekly vendors, including Isabelle Mae’s Pie Emporium and Black Rose Briar — both new businesses.

“It’s my first market ever,” Sarah Howley, owner and chef of Black Rose Briar said, “I just started in September so I’m really excited for this opportunity because I live right up the street and it really makes it easier for me.”

Many of these new local businesses are popular at the farmers market, with Isabelle Mae’s Pie Emporium selling pies quickly and people crowded around nearly every tent.

The Farmers Market will be open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., right in front of the Waterfront on Winooski Falls Way.

The Farmers Market FaceBook page and Instagram accounts both will post updates and photos of the upcoming farmers markets over the summer.

The whole list of featured businesses are hosted on the Winooski Downtown website, however businesses using a day vendor pass may be at the market as well, depending on the week.

Click here to view published article on The Winooski News.