Old State House Farmers’ Market Is Back for the Summer - Grand Opening on Tuesday, June 26

Hartford, CT –One unmistakable sign of summer in Hartford returns in force next Tuesday, June 26, as the 2012 Farmers’ Market at Connecticut’s Old State House observes its official Grand Opening.  With as many as eight vendors filling the building’s Main Street plaza three days a week, the market promises not only fresh produce and a hint of seasonal color downtown, but the continuation of a tradition that dates back more than 350 years.

Frequenters of the downtown area  have been able to enjoy a “market preview” since early June, but the 26^th will mark the official start of the the Old State House Farmers’ Market (OSHFM) season which will run through October 26^th.  The market will operate Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., but will be closed on Wednesday, July 4^th. 

Grand opening ceremonies will begin at 12:30 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks by state Agriculture Commissioner Steven K. Reviczky.  The rain date is Wednesday, June 27. Festivities will include balloons, characters in costume, and the start of OSHFM’s monthly drawing in which entrants can win an assortment of free farmers’ market products (no purchase necessary to enter, first drawing will occur at the end of June).

The Old State House Farmers’ Market is considered the oldest such market in Connecticut.  As the epicenter of the original Connecticut Colony, Hartford was required to create a “weekly market” in 1643. The modern farmers’ market has been in continuous operation at Connecticut’s Old State House since 1978. Today, citizens of Connecticut and local farmers can come together to enjoy the “best” of what Connecticut has to offer while helping the state’s agricultural industry and economy.

Up Next at the Old State House:  America's "Most Unpopular War: What Really Happened at the Hartford Convention of 1815, and Why." On July 10, Noon to 1 p.m. Jack Chatfield presents, Wesley Horton will be a panelist and The Connecticut Network, Diane Smith moderates.

 Connecticut’s Old State House will validate parking tickets from the State Street South Parking Garage (formerly the Constitution Plaza garage). The cost, after validating, is $5.  The ticket will be stamped once admission is paid at the museum.  The validation is good all day.

 Throughout 2012, the Old State House will have a variety of lunchtime lectures and other special events and programming. Visit the calendar on www.ctoldstatehouse.org for more information.

 Located in Hartford just minutes from the Connecticut Science Center, Wadsworth Athenaeum and the riverfront, Connecticut’s Old State House invites visitors of all ages to discover that their voices matter, and that words, ideas, persuasion and debate really can change minds – and, quite possibly, the world.  The building served as the Constitution State’s original seat of government from 1796 to 1878. For more information on admission prices, upcoming events and parking discounts nearby, become a fan of Connecticut’s Old State House on Facebook, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CTOldStateHouse or visit us online at www.ctoldstatehouse.org.

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