Featured Guests
Every week we have several guests at the market. Some are local regulars and some visit from far far away! We have artists, authors, chefs, musicians and nonprofit tents. They all have the market and its community in common. It's really special to have such talent at the market! If you are interested in participating as a guest, please fill out an application.
Chefs
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Barbara Mojon Gugnoni
A resident of Litchfield, Pastry Baker Barbara Mojon Gugnoni creates baked goods to order. Pies and cakes, cookies and cupcakes, and many other sweet treats. This week’s offerings will include cinnamon rolls, plum mini crostatas, peach crumb cakes made with peaches from March Farms and some surprise treats. |
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Brendan Martin - Chef in Residence for Summer 2015
Chef Brendan Martin, a Litchfield resident, is a big supporter of all things local. He has started his own line of culinary goods – Charian Epicerie. We’re delighted he’s our Chef-in-Residence at the market this season. Check out his website: charianepicerie.com |
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Alicia Ghio
We’re always delighed when Alicia, The Natural Princess, returns to the market. This week she’s creating/sampling Fennel & Apple Salad with a lemon maple dressing. Stop by and have a taste. More |
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Johnathan Gyles
Jon is the sous chef at La Tavola Ristorante in Waterbury. He is a regular shopper at the market and is committed to supporting local. He is bringing some sauces, pickled peppers and some fresh pasta to offer the market. More |
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Chef Samantha Tilley- Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar
Chef Sam is our guest chef, but is also coming as a vendor of ready to eat foods. She hasn’t decided yet what to bring this week, so we all can be pleasantly surprised. We always are! More |
Musicians
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Anne DeMichiel
Anne DeMichiel hails from New Hartford. She has been writing, singing, and playing guitar in the area for many years. She has also been a public school choral director and music teacher for 22 years. More |
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Bill Benson
From Collinsville, CT, Bill is a singer and songwriter who plays a variety of acoustic folk rock. He’s known for his ballads and smooth, strong vocal style. He’s the 2013 winner of the Northwest Idol Vocal Competition and those who have heard him know why. We’re always glad to hear him play. |
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Collette Hurst Quintet The Collette Hurst Jazz Quintet returns to the market to entertain us with their broad range of jazz – from classics to new sounds. More |
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Doug Mahard Local musician Doug Mahard returns to the market. He is a singer/guitarist who is reminiscent of James Taylor. More |
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Jerry Buchas Local musician Jerry Buchas joins us this week as a solo performer on keyboard. He plays piano and sings songs of the 30′s-40′s for receptions, cocktail parties and other events. Jerry also plays with a group called: Smooth Sounds. Jerry is also the Music Director of Lourdes Shrine in Litchfield. More |
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Jim Moore
This is Jim’s first appearance at our market. He’s CT Grown – growing up in Torrington and now a Winchester resident. His musical influences are Classic Country Music – Hank Williams…Johnny Cash…Merle Haggard . Please welcome him to our market. More |
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Kaplan Dr. Charles
Dr. Charles Kaplan’s musical interests are quite varied and he sings songs from many eras and genres – folk, pop, standards – supported by acoustic guitar. He loves to support local farms, farmer’s markets, and all things organic. More |
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Kais and Dollz
The Kais and Dollz are a group of local, young musicians (age 8 – 13) who sing together and play a wide range of instruments include piano, bass, violin, ukelele, guitar, drums. They are influenced by Bruno Mars, Bob Marley, Indigo Girls, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Gorillaz and Phish among others. More |
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KC Sisters
This is the first appearance for the KC Sisters – 5 sisters aged 11 to 18. They play a wide variety of genres and styles and are known for their fiddles and harmony. Please welcome them to our market. More |
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Mark Benedict
Hailing from Essex in the opposite corner of the state, Mark has been a frequent visitor to Litchfield county to satisfy his passions for hiking or XC skiing, and now he brings us a rekindled passion for making music. Having previously played pedal steel in a country-rock band, he now covers an eclectic range of musical interests from Dylan, Neil Young, Lyle Lovett and James Taylor to The Grateful Dead, Pearl Jam and The Band. |
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Meghan and Jade Spangenberg
Litchfield residents Meghan and Jaden Spangenberg are 11 and 8 and they enjoy making music together. Both have trained for 3 years, Meghan on classical guitar and Jaden perfecting his drumming skills. Their musical influences include The Beatles, Indigo Girls, Michael Jackson, and Phish. You’ll be amazed at how talented they are! More |
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Meghan Jessica Spangenberg
Meghan, a Litchfield resident, has been playing guitar and singing for 5 years. She is under the vocal tutelage of Starr Cookman and is the guitar protege of Janet Marlow. She is a member of the young group, Kais and Dollz, but is performing solo this week. Come listen. You’ll be amazed at her talent. More |
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Nate Day
Please welcome back one of our favorite musicians, Nate Day, who has been absent for a year. He’s been busy focusing on his first child, but misses the market and is back a few times this summer. More |
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Scott Griswold and Jim Katzin
Scott Griswold and Jim Katzin, both local seasoned musicians, return as an acoustic duet this week. They have a unique and original take on acoustic Reggae music.They play original music in a spectrum of genres from conscious roots reggae to rock and folk. More |
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Sirius Coyote
Sirius Coyote Duo: Giovanni Ciarlo and Kathleen Sartor return to our market. They perform musical renditions of original songs that celebrate contemporary cultural, social, and environmental issues. More |
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Switch Factory
Switch Factory will be a trio this week with the addition of mandolin player and vocalist, Todd Stoughton, a Bethlehem native. Todd joins Nat Worden and Jason Perkel to play music inspired by traditional American bluegrass, blues, rock and folk music. More |
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Thread City String Band
Solveig Millett and Joey Berglund of The Thread City String Band will be appearing at market. The banjo & cello duet will be playing a lively mix of original folk and Old-time classics. This is their first visit to the market so please welcome them. More Tracy Norkun
Professional flutist Tracy Norkun is excited to be joining the market this year. Tracy has over 30 years of playing experience, is principal flute of the West Hartford Symphony Orchestra and freelances throughout CT and MA. She also travels the state giving private lessons and masterclasses to flute students of all ages. Her music ranges from classical to country, jazz to pop, Bach to the Beatles, and spans the musical ages. More. |
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Western Lands Trio
The Western Lands Trio formed over chili and corn bread in April 2012 when Jerry Geci, Mike Delay and John Fulkerson, all of Litchfield, discovered they knew many of the same folk tunes. Their blend of guitar and banjo with harmonizing and fun will bring back memories of days when folk music tunes were widely popular. They are joined this week by Jim Katzin, another Litchfield resident. More |
Artists
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Alison Designs Jewelry
The ideas for my original designs come from within, sometimes in complete picture-images and often in unexpected detours. My jewelry is created only by me with gemstones, pearls and the highest quality sterling silver. I love to incorporate movement, texture and color in my pieces. Audrey Byrnett, Aurora Borealis Designs
The uniqueness of Audrey’s jewelry is a reflection of her personality. Only the finest materials are utilized in the artist’s creations. Sterling, Fine silver, Swarovski Crystals and pearls are just some of the components of her pieces. Stop by and see some of her wonderful creations. More |
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Bethany Homecrafts MaryLynne Boisvert of Bethany Homecrafts will demonstrate the making of “felted soap,” which is soap with a layer of wool felted around it. It’s a colorful soap-and-washcloth all in one. MaryLynne will be felting soap all through the market and will answer questions about this and other kinds of felting. More |
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Big City Stones
Jean Gorse brings her semi-precious jewelry to the market as a visiting artist. She will also demonstrate how she makes some of her items. More |
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Carnellian Knoll
Handmade jewelry from antique and unusual finds made by a long term summer resident on Bantam Lake. More |
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Carol Lee Creations
Local artist Carol Lee Jarvis creates fun and functional art as well as encouraging others to explore their own creativity. She will be demonstrating her approach to painting and will have many of her creations available for sale. More |
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Carolyn Mitchell- The Decorative Dame
Carolyn Mitchell, owner of The Decorative Dame, has been painting with acrylics for over 20 years. Carolyn specializes in florals and landscapes as well as forlkart and other decorative painting techniques using all types of surfaces including canvas, slate, wood, tin and glass. More |
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Cider Mill Designs
Cider Mill’sis returning to our market with organic plantings in containers including succulents, annuals, perennials and air plants. Stop by and see what they have to offer. More |
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Claudia Duhamel- Garden Art
Graphic designer Claudia Duhamel is bringing her hand-crafted collection of garden art. You asked when she was coming back, so here she is. More |
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Collette Hurst
You may be familiar with Collette as a musical guest at our market with her Collette Hurst Trio. But she is also a visual artist creating works in many media – watercolor, pastels, prismacolors, photography and textiles. More |
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Delores Coan
Welcome Delores to her second visit with us. She is from Canaan and is a potter, jewelry designer and maker of bamboo wind chimes. More |
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Dragon's Breath Forge
Dragon’s Breath Forge is sharpening knives for you right at the market. Bladesmithing is the ancient art of forming steel into blades with fire and hammer and they combine these age old techniques with a deep understanding of modern metallurgy to achieve excellent performance in a beautiful and unique kitchen knife. Visit www.dragonsbreathforge.com to see examples of their work. More |
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Elizabeth Wolff
Local artist Elizabeth Wolff is back with her whimsical drawings and some new mediums. Stop by and see what she has to offer. More |
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Ellen Hoverkamp
Ellen Hoverkamp from West Haven, CT, has been digitally capturing nature’s freshness and beauty using a flatbed scanner since 1997. She’s at the market this week in front of her opening exhibit at The Smithy in New Preston next Saturday. More |
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Iceblink Designs
Ice Blink Designs brings timeless creations inspired by nature’s beauty. Each piece is one-of-a-kind. The craftsmanship features intricate bead-weaving, thoughtfully selected components from around the world, natural materials and completely handmade fabrication – designed with an earthy and elegant aesthetic. More |
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Kate Smith
Kate Smith of West Hartford creates unique gifts from old scrabble games. Name plates using the racks that hold the letters. Framed scrabble boards under glass using 20 words about a person/family you would like honor. A unique, memorable personalized gift. Please welcome her. More |
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My Dad's Jewelry
Handmade gold and silver jewelry made with with ancient historical pieces. Mara Jones hails from Norfolk and this is her first visit to our market. Please welcome her. More |
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Northwest Seashell Jewelry
This is the first guest artist appearance for Greg Stevens of Winsted. He brings all natural seashell earrings and necklaces which are of native American heritage, and have been constructed, aged and delivered from the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The only man made parts of them are the posts, bails, and loops. More |
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Pat Piscopo
Local artist Pat Piscopo will have miniature versions of her artwork on mini easels. She will also be demonstrating how to use glitter paint. More |
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Playful Event
Nan Siegmund of Playful Event creates whimsical, timeless jewelry and accessories. Nan uses wire, natural and vintage objects and unusual beads. Nan’s a long-time Bantam summer resident. Please welcome her in her first appearance at our market. More |
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Susan Wilson
This is Susan’s first participation in our market. She handcrafts traditional and non-traditional Dream Catchers. A “Legend of the Dream Catcher” is attached to each dream catcher explaining the tradition behind the item. More |
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Tiny Gardens
Celeste Romish returns with her Tiny Gardens – terrariums and small potted gardens. She will have small container gardens which make nice gifts for yourself or others If you are looking for an unusual gift or something for a particular spot, you might find something among her offerings. More |
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Woolen It Be Nice- Nancy Froderman
Nancy, of Woolen It Be Nice in Avon, CT, makes felted wool items by recylcling old sweaters – a different twist on sustainability. More |
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Yvette Haas
Local artist Yvette Haas is one of our favorite guests. She always has something new to offer, so please visit her and see what she has this week. More |
Nonprofits
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Charlotte Hungerford Hospital
Rachel Ortiz Of CHH’s Early Detection Programs will be with us to explain the details on free screenings for certain health issues. |
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CT Nofa
The CT chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association visits the market this week. CT NOFA is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the practices of ecologically sound farming and gardening, and to the development of local sustainable agriculture. |
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CT State Grange
CT State Grange will be at market with information on joining the Grange and saving the Litchfield Grange Hall. |
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First Congregational Church
Our non-profit tent welcomes the First Congregational Church of Litchfield with many of the items they sell in their International Gift Shop. |
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Fresh Air Fund
The Fresh Air Fund has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.8 million New York City children since 1877. Fresh Air children are boys and girls, from six to 18 years old, who live with host families for one or two weeks. Stop by and learn how you could join host families in and around the Litchfield area. |
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Heifer International- Allana Coco
Allana is a nine year old Litchfield resident who decided she wanted to raise funds for Heifer International. On her own, she conceived the idea of sewing Pouches for a Purpose and has been working feverishly sewing colorful pouches in a variety of fabrics and sizes. All proceeds will be donated to Heifer International. |
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LHS Environmental Club
Members of the Litchfield High School Environmental Club will be at the market selling native wildflowers and shrubs, propagated from locally sourced seeds. The proceeds restore the native landscape for the undeveloped portions of the campus and to create an outside classroom at the high school. |
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Litchfield Aid to CJR
Representatives of the Litchfield Aid to CJR will be at the market this week letting you know what they are doing to support CJR. Stop by and learn. |
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Litchfield Energy Task Force
The Litchfield Energy Task Force is a volunteer committee helping the residents of Litchfield conserve energy. The LETF is an organization of Litchfield volunteers that offers free assistance and information to help residents and businesses conserve energy. They have information on how to understand your electric bill. They also have information and knowledge about energy audits and ways to save energy. |
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Litchfield Community Center
Our very own winter home, the Litchfield Community Center, is expanding. Members of the Board will be at the market to answer questions and spread the word. You can learn more about the project, and find out how to support the effort, by visiting www.thecommunitycenter.org |
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Litchfield Hills Audubon Society
Litchfield Hills Audubon Society offers programs, field trips and events that promote and teach conservation, awareness of environmental issues, wildlife management and the overall enjoyment of nature and all that it has to offer. Stop by and learn more |
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Litchfield Historical Society
The Historical Society has published Litchfield: the Making of a New England Town by Rachel Carley. This is the first history of Litchfield to be published in nearly 100 years. This lively portrait of the town is sumptuously illustrated with rarely seen maps, photographs and paintings. |
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Litchfield Land Trust
LLT is dedicated to helping protect the New England character, scenic vistas and natural resources of Litchfield for present and future residents. Today, LLT owns approximately 1100 acres--including the 340-acre Prospect Mountain Preserve--and holds conservation easements on another 2100 acres. |
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Litchfield Montessori School
Litchfield Montessori School joins us this week to distribute information about the school and their fundraiser. Stop by and find out what they have planned. |
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Oliver Wolcott Library
Affectionately known as OWL, Litchfield's town library has been serving the community since 1862. Each year they hold a fundraiser event called "Festival of Trees" which supports the operations of the library and is a great community event. |
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Outreach to Haiti
Outreach to Haiti has been in working in the Caribbean nation for over 25 years offering health care services, educational support, support of two orphanages, as well as a neighborhood meal program for children. This non-profit is bringing handcrafted items made in Haiti, mostly from recycled material. Proceeds go to support their programs. |
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SNAP
Tara Monroy of the Community Health and Wellness Center of Greater Torrington will be at the market offering information and assistance regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). |
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Susan B Anthony Project
Each year, the Susan B Anthony Project raises funds for their programs through their holiday wreath sale. The wreaths will be available for sale at the market. Funds raised will support their programs which promote safety, healing and growth for all survivors of domestic and sexual abuse and advocates for the autonomy of women and the end of interpersonal violence. |
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Cancer Care Fund of the Litchfield Hills, Inc.
The Cancer Care Fund of the Litchfield Hills, Inc. was created to assist and support cancer patients residing or receiving care in northwest Connecticut. The Fund supports cancer patients with care, treatment, education, and prevention programs |
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The Greenway Project
Stop by and learn about the efforts that are going on in town to have a Greenway. The project has been underway for some time and hopefully will soon become a reality. |
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The Silo at Hunt Hill Farm
Come hear about what’s new and exciting at The Silo at Hunt Hill Farm. We will be there with recipes, cooking tips and Silo crafts for the kids! |
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The Wisdom House
Wisdom House joins us for the first time selling their baked goods to support their mission. All produed at Wisdom house made by Chef Margaret Jacobs. Valentine and assorted cookies, granola, gluten free with nuts and fruit, all natural peanut butter chocolate tarts, labyrinth shortbread cookies. More |
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Women's Forum of Litchfield
The Women’s Forum of Litchfield is an organization whose purpose is to provide programs that reflect “a thoughtful exchange on subjects of general interest.” Founded in 1914, the organization has had an impressive list of speakers throughout its history. |
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Woodbury FFA The Woodbury FFA is joining us to provide information on their Farm-to-Table dinner to raise funds for scholarships. |
Other Special Visitors
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Baby Loves Quilts Project The Baby Loves Quilts Project brings love and comfort to neonatal babies. Stop by and see some of their wonderful creations. |
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Cricket Hill Garden
This is Cricket Hills first vist to our market. They will have a variety of edible landscaping plants, including pawpaws, Asian pears, dwarf heirloom apples, mulberries, raspberries, elderberries, nut trees, bush cherries and fig tress as well as ready-to-fruit shiitake mushroom logs. |
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Dr. Rob VanWyck
Local dentist Dr. Rob VanWyck has offered to do free Oral Cancer Screenings occasionally at the farmers’ market. The current schedule for his participation is: 10:15 – 11:30 AM on November 3 and January 19, 2013. He will be at the market the full time from 10 Am – 1 PM on December 8, February 16, 2012 and March 30, 2012. |
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Everything Botanical
Everything Botanical LLC brings a variety of unique garden perennials to the market. Included are Balloon flowers, Variegated Caryopteris, Full Moon Coreopsis, Box leaf basil, Variegated Yucca, Coral Bells, Fall flowering Anemones, Fall flowering perennial asters, Liriope |
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Marsha Miles - Barefoot Books
Marsha is a reading assistant teacher in Harwinton and a representative for the Barefoot Books company whose core values are to imagine, explore, create, connect and give back. The line includes books, puppets, CDs and puzzles. Many of the books support a healthy life style, taking care of ourselves, each other, and our Earth, including many on food, nature and farming. |
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Recipe Tastings
By popular demand, tastings of recipes using market products will return to the market. Each week a different product, or products, will be featured. |
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Seed Exchange Bring some of your seeds to contribute, pick some seeds from the selection, and go home with the beginning of your garden. |
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Sunflower Hill Farm
Sunflower Hill Farm in Morris is returning to the market this week. They will be bringing alpaca wool and fleece from their animals. Please stop by and see what they have to offer. |
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Swap/Exchange Cookbooks This activity continues to have a life of it’s own – ebbing and flowing with donations as customers go through their own collections. If you’ve not yet had the opportunity to browse through yours, it would make a great summer cleaning project. Please stop by our Cookbook table and see what we have to offer. Enjoy.Note that magazines (in good condition) and information on gardening are also welcome.
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Working Model Railroad Display for Kids of ALL Ages
On display- a CT-Grown HO scale train diorama designed and built by RR Model & Hobby Supply of Winsted. It depicts a CT farm scene with a running freight train. Watch and listen as the diesel locomotive pulls rail cars around a detailed and realistic layout with houses, barns, tractors and animals. It looks and sounds like the real thing! |
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Wrapagami
Go green with your holiday gift wrapping this year. Wrapagami is based on the traditional Japanese art of furoshiki. With vounteers from the Transition LItchfield group, learn how to wrap with reusable fabric and a few simple techniques – no tape or scissors required, just tying knots. Bring your gifts (and fabric, if you have any) and join in the fun! No charge. |