To mark the celebration of Connecticut’s 375th anniversary, Governor Rell announced that fees will be waived for the weekend of May 22 and 23rd at the state parks where pre-season parking fees are now being charged – including Sherwood Island. She said, “Visiting a state park or forest is the perfect way to observe the 375th anniversary of our state and to honor Connecticut’s longstanding commitment to preserving important lands, providing outdoor recreational opportunities to all of our citizens and to protecting our environment and natural resources.”

From Upper State Street Market Committee: (new!)

Please join us for the opening day of the Upper State Street Farm Market, this Saturday from 10:00 – 2:00. The Market will take place every Saturday until the weekend before Thanksgiving in the lot next to 1010 State Street, near the corner of State and Lawrence.

As a special even on opening day, the good people at Freelance Farmers will be installing raised beds that will become a neighbors’ garden, which we hope will be maintained by visiting friends and children throughout the market season. For the first day, we will also have bubbles galore, face-painting, music, tastings, and more.

Our featured vendor of the week will be Chestnut Fine Foods – stop by for a taste of homemade granola or local cheese. Visit the Market table for a coupon.

This year’s line-up of vendors is truly exciting.

Chestnut Fine Foods: homemade gourmet baked goods, yogurt, cereals, and breads. CT cheeses, milk, and dairy products too.

Creative Organics: organic cookies and cookie mixes

Eaglewood Farms: humane, sustainable meats

Flowers from the Farm: CT produce, herbs, and flowers

Gresczyk Farms: CT produce (grown using integrated pest management) & natural, free-range eggs

Giff’s Originals: condiments, sauces, and relishes

Han Mi: prepared Korean noodles, dumplings, & more…

Killam and Bassette Farmstead: CT produce (grown using integrated pest management) & natural, free-range eggs

Koffee?: Fairly-traded, organic CT-roasted, New Haven-brewed coffee and tea

Little Monster Cakes: vegan, gluten-free, mostly-organic treats

Meriano’s Bake Shoppe: stuffed breads, Italian pastries & breads

Ripe Drinks: CT-made cocktail mixes using local ingredients

Soup Girl: gourmet soups and salads

The Upper State Street Farm Market will also have a groovy array of Market gear to offer this year. We will start with Farm Market re-usable tote bags and seeds and will integrate fun, fresh items throughout the season. All contributions will go to support the further development of the market and the neighborhood.

~The Upper State Street Farm Market – come for the food, stay for the community.