MIDDLEBURY — The members of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church are working hard preparing for Peasant Market, their annual community fundraiser, which is coming up this Saturday, July 6.

“Donations have been flowing in,” said Shannon Bohler, co-chair of Peasant Market 2024.

Volunteers have been busy staffing the church through the intake process with carts and hand trucks to help bring in items. “There are some real treasures this year,” Bohler added, “and at affordable prices. It is a fabulous opportunity for anyone looking to set up a kitchen, an office, or a new apartment.”

“Not only that,” said fellow Co-chair Amy Beaupré, “but this year we have an amazing deal of Vermont hand-made wooden cutting boards, which make fabulous gifts.”

Peasant Market is near and dear to the members of St. Stephen’s because it is the core of their community outreach program. The net profit of 2023 Peasant Market funds provided $15,000 in grant money that went to support local non-profits.

The market shares a tent with the Festival on the Green — a weeklong musical performance that kicks off on Sunday.

The Peasant Market has been a feature of Addison County summer activities since 1947. This year Peasant Market is set for this Saturday, July 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  It features booths full of fabric and linens, toys and children’s items, plants and gardening gear, antiques, and jewelry. A silent auction provides additional shopping opportunities. Delicious home-made fruit pies are a highlight. There will be face-painting and a photo booth for children while parents shop, a fresh squeezed lemonade stand, with live music by Bird Boombox as well as Mexican food for lunch.

For more information about Peasant Market visit the St. Stephen’s website at ststephensmidd.org.

The grounds are being prepared for Saturday’s Peasant Market on the Middlebury town green.
Independent photo/John S. McCright