Berlin-Based Farmers Market Moves To Town Garage Parking Lot

Following approval by the Berlin Town Board in July and subsequent approval by the Town’s insurance carrier, Our Valley Community Farmers’ Market (OVCFM) now sets up in the parking lot of the Town’s Highway Garage on Route 22 in Berlin from 11 am until 2 pm on Sundays.
“We are excited to have a more convenient location,” said Market Manager Trish Gerstel. “We saw an immediate increase in traffic when we moved to a location just along Route 22 earlier in the season. We hope that the new location – closer to the ‘hub’ of activity in town – will be just as successful.”
Gerstel said that approval from the Town’s insurance carrier required small changes to the Market’s Handbook but noted that the changes were minimal, easily agreed upon by existing vendors, and not prohibitive to current or future vendors’ activities. “As would be expected, the insurance company wants to limit any chance of liability on the part of the Town,” she said. “A small change in our already existing liability waiver as well as an added rule that no pets be brought to the market certainly won’t effect our ability to vend.”
Since its debut in Berlin last year, OVCFM has grown to include local artisan cheeses from Mapledale Farm (Berlin) and hand-sewn items from Mama Sew Simple (Petersburgh) in addition to the handmade soaps and personal care items from Bee A Little Pure (Berlin); produce, jams and baked goods from Grower Art’s (Berlin). It carries maple syrup and pastured chicken eggs (both from Cherry Plain) which were available last year. “We’ve grown a bit this year and are hoping to grow even more in future seasons,” said Gerstel, who noted that those involved in the market are interested in not only adding products but also community-based activities. “Having vendors here is only part of the vision. We also want to see the community coming together for things like demonstrations by local artisans, fundraising activities for non-profit organizations, and so on.”
Anyone interested in knowing more about OVCFM, including how they can vend or bring activities to the market, should contact Gerstel at ourvalleycfm@live.com.