VERGENNES — The Vergennes Farmers Market is returning to the city’s downtown green again this summer.

After the city council gave its unanimous blessing to the venture, beginning on June 16 the market will again set up shop along Main Street on Thursdays from 3 to 6:30 p.m. It will run through Oct. 6.

And, according to co-managers Christopher and Sandy Reck, the market is poised to build on a successful summer on the green after time away from the best site available due to the pandemic.

Last year between eight and 10 vendors grossed as much as the dozen who typically showed up in 2019, according to the Recks. Vendors this past October interviewed by the Independent all said business had been good; one called the summer “a turning point for the market.”

Now this year Christopher Reck said twice that many sellers of fresh produce and meats, crafts and prepared foods could set up shop on the green.

“Now we could be inching up toward 20,” he said. “There’s a lot of interest. We’re really excited about it.”

The Recks have also arranged for customers to listen to live music every week this season while they browse for goods that will include fresh baked items, local meat, hand-picked produce from multiple nearby farms, hot prepared food, hand-made crafts and gifts, and more.

Returning vendors will include Mediterranean Mix (hot, prepared food), Smith Family Farm (local meat), Good Companion Bread (fresh bread and duck), and Lalumiere Farm (hand-picked vegetables, fruits and canned produce), Vintage & Bloom (fresh cut flowers) and more.

Among the new vendors this year are The Farmhouse Table (produce, meat, eggs, pickles), Danz Ahn Dairy (cheese, eggs, goat milk soap), Vermont Cheeseless (vegan, gluten-free cheesecake), Bad Apple Juice Co. (locally-sourced juice), Wiggly Goat Farm (yarn products).

City officials helped the market last year and will again this year by allowing the market to set up along the main drag, setting aside Park Street for parking for market vendors and customers, allowing organizers access to storage areas in city hall’s basement, and making Vergennes City Hall restrooms available for vendors and patrons.

“We’d like to thank City Manager Ron Redmond, Mayor Matt Chabot, and especially Vergennes Public Works led by Jim Larrow, for their support again this year,” said the Recks in a press release.

Christopher Reck also expressed his appreciation for the backing of so many local residents.

“The whole city supported us with great numbers of customers last year, and it showed how much people want and need the market, especially after missing the 2020 season due to the pandemic,” he said.

“We are a family-oriented market and it is wonderful to see people come to gather with friends to have dinner in the park while listening to great local musicians.”

Those interested in learning more may contact Christopher Reck at [email protected].