Maine’s farmers markets do more than support local farmers and small businesses, providing residents with fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy products, baked goods, flowers, and artisanal products. They also participate in several important social programs and put on spectacular events.
Lewistown Farmers Market
In Lewistown, Maine, an association of local businesses and farmers launched a farmers market in 2004 with a mission of “revitalizing downtown Lewiston and making fresh food affordable and accessible for all community members.” In 2021, it re-incorporated as a nonprofit called the Lewiston Farmers’ Market Association (LFMA), with a board consisting of local business owners and farmers who now operate the market. LFMA selected the operation’s new home at 2 Oxford St. that year. This year, it celebrates its 20th birthday.
Vendors bring their wares, including mushrooms and soaps, to the marketplace every Sunday. The Summer Market operates from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. between Mother’s Day on May 12 and the beginning of November. The hours shift to 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the location is moved inside for the Winter Market.
Local businesses and farms can sign up as full-time, part-time, or regular guest vendors, and they must produce or grow at least 75% of their products.
While they can buy the other 25% from other Maine-based organizations, they must be labeled as such, and all products sold at the market must be from the Pine Tree State, preferably within 75 miles.
Some of these vendors, displayed on the market’s website, include New Roots Cooperative Farm, built by four Somali Bantu farmers who left their country in the wake of civil war. DELTACOM Coffee, meanwhile, is run by retired Marine Sgt. John Nelson, who experienced a severe traumatic brain injury, is now focused on helping disabled veterans.
Photo Courtesy New Roots Cooperative Farm
The operation has several programs aimed at making life easier for residents. It was the first market in Maine to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program.
It was also part of the pilot and launch of what is now Maine Harvest Bucks. The “nutrition incentive” program increases families’ spending power on healthy food by providing a bonus buck for every $1 spent on SNAP-eligible products, which they can use to buy fresh fruits and vegetables or food-bearing seedlings. The market saw the redemption of Maine Harvest Bucks increase by 116% during the global COVID-19 pandemic between 2019 and 2021.
During the pandemic, the market also ran a healthy-eating Kids Club program throughout the summer that taught kids about farming and gave them $4 tokens to buy fruits and vegetables.
On the first Sunday of every month, another program issues $2 in “Seniors and Veterans Dollars” to those who are over 62 or have served in the military. Meanwhile, a Market Rewards frequent shopper program gives customers a “Frequent Shopper Card” that earns them $2 in “Market Rewards Dollars” every five visits.
The Seniors and Veterans Dollars and Market Rewards Dollars can be used to buy any product at the market during the current season or the next one. Both programs were originally launched to benefit vendors who could not participate in the Maine Harvest Bucks program.
Photo Courtesy Lewistown Farmers’ Market
A number of exciting exhibitions also roll through the market. This summer, Mr. Drew and His Animals Too, an exotic rescue organization, brought some of their reptiles, and Bates Dance Festival held two workshops. In August, the Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival partnered with the market for an event featuring hot air balloons, a parade, family-focused activities, and performances. It was sponsored by Brookfield Renewable US and Casella Waste Systems. A series of pop-up markets are also being rolled out.
Photo Courtesy Jon Connor / Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival
Augusta Farmers Market
Mill Park in Augusta, Maine, is a hub for social and recreational activities, featuring a dog park, a kayaking section, petanque courts, and walking paths. In the winter, an ice rink is even built in the middle.
However, the site was not always a park. The Edwards Manufacturing Mill used to stand on the banks of the Kennebec River before burning down in 1989. Its legacy is cemented in history: the cotton mill’s approximately 2,000 employees produced clothing for soldiers during World War II.
Photo Courtesy Augusta, Maine – A Capital Happening
Mill Park, at 1 Water St., is now the location of Augusta’s Summer Farmers Market, running from 2 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays between May and October. A pavilion was even built in the park to host the operation. Meanwhile, The Winter Market is open on Tuesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. between November and April and takes place in the gym at The Buker Community Center at 22 Armory St.
The markets are held rain or shine and are presented by sponsors, including MaineGeneral Health and Kennebec Savings Bank. According to its bylaws, ultimately, the goal is to “stimulate public interest in the consumption of local farm and garden products, thereby supporting, preserving, and improving the quality of rural life in the greater Augusta area.”
These markets feature the typical consumables, plus spices, honey, and maple syrup from small, local businesses and farms. Each of these vendors must grow or make their products.
The list of current vendors includes B+T Baked Goods, a husband and wife-owned and operated business that bakes fresh bread and pastries using local and organic ingredients. Morton Brook Ranch, run by two veterans, raises grass-fed cattle and sheep and pasture-raised chickens, turkeys, and laying hens.
Photo Courtesy Morton Brook Ranch
The market is also there for the benefit of its visitors. It participates in the SNAP program, and participating households receive Maine Harvest Bucks that can be redeemed at the information booth for credit with the fruit and vegetable vendors.
Vendors also issue Customer Appreciation Cards on the second Tuesday of every month. Essentially, whenever a customer spends $5, the vendor writes their initials on their card. You can drop as many full cards as you can collect in a bucket at the exit, from which a weekly raffle drawing offers a chance to win a special gift basket of goodies contributed by the vendors.
Photo Courtesy Farmers’ Market at Mill Park
Adults are not the only ones who can find enjoyment there, either. The Lithgow Public Library hosts a story time every week at 4 p.m. that is sure to guarantee entertainment. The Children’s Discovery Museum has brought toys and games in the past. The market also supports environmental friendliness. For example, shoppers are encouraged to “bring a reusable bag or basket for your goodies!”
Camden Farmers Market
Camden, Maine, has been home to its farmers market for 50 years. Located in Tannery Park at 116 Washington St. and open on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 6 p.m. between June 26 and Sept. 25 and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon between May 4 and October 26, it continues to serve its community today.
The market says the goal is “to provide a place for Maine farmers and related product vendors to offer their products directly to the consumer” and ultimately inspire confidence in the farmers market concept and promote the sale of products produced in the state. As such, the vendors, with wares that include seafood and preserves, must all be Maine residents. Unless they have sought prior approval to sell Maine-grown or -made products from others, the vendors must produce what they sell.
In honor of its 50th anniversary, the market is even creating a book of recipes made with its vendors’ products, which were originally featured in its weekly newsletter.
Some of these recipes have included coconut curried beef or shrimp and french toast with advieh-infused peach maple syrup.
Some current vendors listed on the market’s website include Continuous Harmony Farm, run by a nine-person blended family that produces blueberries and Maple syrup. AlphaDiets uses sustainably grown ingredients to make pet food that is good for the animals, the environment, and local farmers. Blue Barren Distillery makes spirits like gin, vodka, rum, and whiskey in limited batches using locally sourced produce and botanicals.
Photo Courtesy Continuous Harmony Farm
In addition to participating in the SNAP and Maine Harvest Bucks programs, the operation also offers Bumper Crop Bucks.
Anyone can purchase these $5 gift certificates, issued by the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets, and give them to a friend or family member, AirBnB guest, or anyone in between, encouraging them to contribute to local vendors. According to the Bumper Crop website, 60% of people who have received such a certificate said they used it to eat more fruits and vegetables. While there, these shoppers can also enjoy the sounds of live music every week.
The market has also participated in state and local initiatives. For example, six vendors introduced a yellow food item in July, such as lemon burst shortbread cookies, and donated proceeds to Finding Our Voices, a nonprofit focused on eliminating the silence around domestic abuse. The money raised by the organization through its Foodie Festival went toward shelter, food, and transportation for survivors.
Photo Courtesy Finding Our Voices
