ROCKPORT—A group of farmers, food manufacturers, artisans, and even a food truck have started a new farmer’s market at the former Rockport Elementary School site on West Street on Wednesdays starting at 3 p.m.

The site, owned by the town of Rockport, is being developed into a community park with the financial help of the Lesher Family Foundation, which is investing $3 million into the 6.7 acres for its transformation. According to the LFF website, “The space [RES] is a magnet, an anchor, a center of gravity used by so many different people.” See that story here.

Not to be confused with the Rockport Farmer’s Market at Guini Ridge Farm, on 310 Commercial Street, Rockport, the new West Street Farmer’s Market sits right at the busy intersection of routes 90 and 1.

The farmer’s market’s second week started out foggy and rainy, but the seven vendors who stuck it out under tents have faith that the site, and the market, will take off this summer.

Sue Hamel, of Dogpatch Farm in Washington, has been credited with its organization.

Hamel, who sells farm-raised pork, turkey, chicken, baked goods, and handmade soaps, and who has been active with the Camden Farmer’s Market, saw the potential for a new market in collaboration with whom she was already working.

“We needed a new outlet and some of these people I’d already worked with, I knew they had quality products,” she said. “We plan to use this whole area and expect a lot more vendors to join us as the summer goes on.”

The Brother Shucker food truck, owned by Zak Kuras, sits adjacent to Hamel’s tent. Kuras’s specialty is supplying cold fresh oysters sourced from Damariscotta, along with specialty burgers and dumplings.

The casual atmosphere lends itself to mingling with other vendors. Sometimes, they even use each other’s products in their own offerings.

“I love the community here because it is so welcoming,” said Kuras. “And then I get to try other vendor’s products; for example, I’m using [Dogpatch Farm’s] pork belly to make a pork burger.”

Peter Alsop, owner of Tenderwild Farm in Rockport, also has a vendor area. In its second growing season, the farm offers an array of fresh produce at the Rockport Farmer’s Market.

“This location is a natural gathering place,” said Alsop. “And we’re excited to see how the market can grow along with the new park.”

Steph Grant, of Hawthorn and Thistle Farm, raises endangered heritage sheep, sells sheep and goat sausage, and also spins the fibers of the sheep for yarn and felted goods.

The Graze features fresh-squeezed juices.

Tanya Harsch, of Appleton, an oil painter and printmaker was the only artist at the farmer’s market. 

“I have done craft fairs as well but think it’s more of a spontaneous discovery to find artwork at a farmer’s market,” she said. “Here, you don’t get lost in the noise.” 

Sweet Monkey Business co-owner Matt Burke takes his signature shortbread cookies and granola to the market.

“We’ve been in markets with Sue before and we love the location and Wednesdays seem to be a really good fit for everybody, “ he said. “And this community really wants something like this.” 

As the market grows, other vendors will be added. The market opens at 3 p.m. on Wednesdays rain or shine and goes to 6 p.m.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com