Saturday, May 18, 2019 will mark the 17th summer season of Coastal Growers Farmers Market at Casey Farm, Saunderstown. The market was started in the Spring of 2002 with just 7 vendors.* This Saturday there will be approximately 30 vendors including farmers, artisans, music, and more.
Founding farmers with Casey Farm included Ledge Ends Farm of East Greenwich, Earth Care Farm, Matunuck Oyster Farm along with Village Hearth Bakery and others. The creation of the market enabled farmers to work together and make decisions putting the interest of local farmers combined with customers’ desire for great local produce.
That very first year in 2002, word caught on and locals were coming out in droves to purchase produce directly from the farmers. Artisans, coffee, meat, music performances, and food vendors were added over time to provide more of an event experience for tourists, families, and local market supporters alike; bringing Coastal Growers to what it is today. The market remains true to its initial goal today; a vendor-owned market that provides locally produced and sourced goods for the community.
Coastal Growers Farmers Markets happen every Saturday at Casey Farm, 2325 Boston Neck Rd, Saunderstown from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. The market season runs until October 26. Each week various vendors and rotating artisans offer locally grown, produced, and handmade goods along with music. Casey Farm offers additional programming in addition to market activities each week as well. Visit www.coastalmarket.org for additional information. *History of market according to Founding Farmers Mike and Polly Hutchison