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Another Plan for Deep River Farmer’s Market Taking Shape

Although the idea for a farmer’s market in Deep River isn’t new, Paul “Taco” Santowski is hoping that a new location, on the green across from the Deep River Congregational Church (DRCC), will give it staying power.

Santowski’s application for a farmer’s market was recently received by the Deep River Planning & Zoning Commission. The application is set for a public hearing at the commission’s next meeting, on Thursday, Nov. 18.

“I know Deep River has been longing for a farmer’s market,” said Santowski in a phone interview. “We had one about 10, 12 years ago. It didn’t work out.”

Parking was an issue at the prior locations, at the Deep River Public Library and the Deep River Historical Society’s Stone House, he said.

And the United Scandinavian Society on Riverview Avenue, which Santowski considered, is tucked into a wooded neighborhood well off Main Street.

“This is right here in the center,” said DRCC Reverend Timothy Haut of the church’s green. “There is a lot of parking in the parking lot and it’s visible. I think it will be a wonderful thing for the community.”

The Farmer’s Market would be another draw for the community in that location during the summer months. The Deep River Congregational Church’s annual flea market is hosted there, as well as the Deep River Horseshoe League.

“The plan is for the second or third Saturday starting next June,” said Santowski. “It would be Saturdays from 10 to 2 and we’re looking for 14 to 20 vendors.”

Although Santowski said he won’t have a confirmed list of vendors until the permit is issued by the town, he’s considering a variety of merchants including craft artisans and those selling fresh produce, bread, and coffee, as a few examples.

Santowski is also thinking about involving some of the downtown restaurants in the market.

“We have a lot of eateries here and five of them are within a short walking distance,” said Santowski. “So, I’m exploring how to tie them in with the market.

“I think that’s how this market could really be effective with the community, to involve the local restaurants,” he added.

Santowski currently runs a farm stand in Deep River, selling produce and seasonal plants and flowers. Prior to this, he worked in farming at the former Deep River Farms location.

“I’m going into my 28th year” of farming, Santowski said. “That’s a lot of years…So I wanted to do something and markets are fun. They’re a lot of fun.”

All of the proceeds from the market, primarily from the vendors, will be donated to the Deep River Congregational Church, which owns the green.

“The trustees of the church are behind this and supporting it, too,” said Haut. “They feel it’s a way for the church itself to continue to be a community center and not just a place for its own members.”

In addition to having the support of the church, the Deep River Board of Selectmen recently authorized First Selectman Angus McDonald to write a letter in support of the project.

“He’s been very helpful,” said Santowski of McDonald. “He says Deep River ought to have a farmer’s market and I want to be the guy to deliver it.”