The Old Greenwich Farmer's Market Struggles to Resurrect Itself
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
According to a recent application narrative submitted to Greenwich Planning and Zoning, the Old Greenwich Farmer's Market is seeking to set up in a portion of the parking lot at St. Catherine’s Church (11 Riverside Avenue) for the 2026 season. The proposed plan outlines operating on Wednesdays from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, running from June through November. Official Planning and Zoning administrative sign-off is still under review.
The market's sudden displacement comes after 15 successful years of operating on summer Wednesdays in the parking lot of Living Hope Community Church. Last winter, during a P&Z discussion regarding Living Hope’s plans to build two new residential houses and expand parking on their property, the church withdrew its permission for the market to continue operating.
The proposed move across the line into Riverside has sparked a minor community uproar. A local petition has garnered over 500 signatures from community members fighting to keep the market within the walkable borders of Old Greenwich. Organizers argue that moving it to St. Catherine's cuts off local families and seniors who used to walk or bike to the village event, replacing a neighborhood gathering place with a difficult trek along busy roads.
The town has recently responded to the pressure, noting that while municipal options like the new Civic Center are being eyed for 2027, an immediate alternative for this summer rests on the community's shoulders. Town leaders have indicated that if residents can quickly get the First Congregational Church of Old Greenwich to agree to host, an alternative in-town permit could be fast-tracked.
The struggle highlights a unique niche in the local food ecosystem. Greenwich already hosts two highly successful "producers-only" markets where regional farmers are strictly required to sell only what they grow or prepare themselves:
The Greenwich Farmers Market: Operates out of the Horseneck Lane Commuter Lot (near Arch Street) on Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM (running May through December).
The Sam Bridge Nursery Market: Shifts the local food scene indoors/outdoors at their North Street nursery, hosting a popular Winter Market on Saturdays from January through early May.
Unlike these strict agricultural models, the Old Greenwich market carved its 15-year reputation on being a vibrant, multi-layered community block party. Alongside organic produce, it integrated live music, knife sharpening, local non-profits, and food trucks.
Between the Lines: With June already here and local officials under pressure to find a compromise, Old Greenwich residents are left waiting to see if their beloved Wednesday tradition will find a home in town, pivot to Riverside, or be forced to sit out the season entirely.