We like the farmer's market, do you?

ANSONIA - Economic Development Commission Chairman Vinnie Scarlata this week announced a Facebook page for the new Ansonia Farmer's Market in the municipal parking lot on West Main Street.

The market had a successful grand opening last Thursday.

He said these vendors are expected to be there Thursday:

• Darling Farm, 1907 Litchfield Turnpike, Woodbridge;

• Eastside Greenhouses, 72 North Prospect St., Ansonia;

• Grassy Hill Farms, 970 Grassy Hill Road, Orange;

• Marcucio Farms, 34 Benz St., Ansonia;

• Marcucio Gardens, 480 New Haven Ave., Derby.

Scarlata is trying to promote the market with a new Facebook page and is asking people to visit it and "like" it.

See you at the farmer's market!

Farmers' market welcomed in Ansonia

 

As a resident of Ansonia I'm happy the city now has its own farmers' market.

The market in the municipal parking lot on West Main Street was open for business Thursday for the first time. Three local farms were represented.

A small but steady stream of customers came through to see what was for sale. Everyone seemed pleased the market was there.

I bought a beautiful flowering plant for half the price I would have had to pay at a retail store.

 

My husband bought several different kinds of vegetables for just $5.


Kudos go to Economic Development Commission chairman Vinnie Scarlata and commission members for turning an idea into a reality in just a few short weeks.
And city officials are to be commended as well for quickly approving the concept.

See you Saturday at the farmer's market!

Farmers' market is welcome news for downtown Ansonia

By Marc Weissman
Producer/Host
"Looking Up: A View From The Valley"
Community Access TV show


Hats off to Chairman Vinnie Scarlata of Ansonia's Economic Development Commission for an absolutely fabulous job spearheading the city's new Farmers' Market that kicks off at 2 p.m. Thursday.
It will be open 2-6 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays each week through the fall. 

Illustration by Rich DiCarlo of Derby

What a great way to attract more patrons to Ansonia's downtown as well as help promote overall business development in the city.

Between the recent success of the second annual Pierre Lallement Bike Festival, and now this follow-up effort -  completed in just three weeks from concept to approval - Scarlata has clearly demonstrated himself as a positive force to be reckoned with in the Valley.

And in case you hadn't heard, in addition to nearby farmers participating in this worthwhile community effort, Vinnie and the EDC have also smartly included Eddy’s Bake Shop and Big Y as vendors. There is even open space allotted for any  local  co-op  growers  from   Ansonia's  own  Nature   Center. 
What this means is that Scarlata and his group have astutely developed a unique and savvy biweekly event that collaborates local agriculture, at least one downtown business and a corporate entity all in one nice, neat, Valley-friendly package.

Good luck, Vinnie, and congratulations to all involved! 
 

Check out www.lookingupvalley.com to learn more about Weissman's community access TV show.

Farmers' market is great news for Ansonia

Kudos to Vinnie Scarlata, Ansonia Economic Development Commission chairman, for gaining city approval this week for a farmer's market.

It will be set up in the municipal parking lot on West Main Street, near the train station. Grand opening is slated for Thursday.


As an Ansonia resident I must say I'm happy about this positive turn of events. I'm sure I'm not alone.

Mayor James Della Volpe has voiced his support, as has Bart Flaherty, chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission. 
 
Scarlata said he looked at the following potential locations: Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center; City Lot, East Main Street; City Lot, West Main Street; Farrel Corp. Lot, Main Street; Nolan Field, Wakelee Avenue; Veterans Memorial Park next to City Hall, Main Street.

He considered a variety of necessary attributes, such as parking, accessibility, traffic, visibility, vendor spaces, site maintenance, police coverage, insurance, and state certification.

Scarlata used his own criteria to rate the sites, and came up with the West Main Street spot. Commission members will serve as market managers.

Scarlata and all city officials deserve plaudits for moving quickly to make this concept a reality.