Torrential downpours were predicted for Saturday, May 20, but luckily the rain held off until midday, allowing garden lovers and gift shoppers the whole morning to enjoy this annual fan favorite.
“We are so thankful to everyone who came out in spite of the rain,” said event Chairperson Anita Wardell. The May Market is the club’s main fundraiser for the year. Attendees arrived at the Phelps-Hatheway grounds well before the 9 a.m. opening, hoping to visit their favorite booths before the bad weather hit. “I’ve never seen it so crowded so early!” said Wardell.
One of the most popular booths is always Member Plants. Garden club members split and pot perennials from their own gardens, ensuring that buyers receive a plant proven to grow in our area. Booth captain Erin Calendar was overjoyed at the response. “By noon the shelves were nearly bare,” she said. “Customers love the plants and the price point.” Potted perennials were only five dollars each.
Local businesses came from down the street and around the corner to support the event. The shortest commute was enjoyed by Karenoughcrafts and Boutique (11 High Street.) and, for the first time, May Market included a food truck, thanks to the folks from North Main Street’s Fire on the Mountain Smokehouse. The tantalizing aroma of barbecue enticed a steady line of customers, at least until the heaviest rains started to fall.
The Suffield Garden Club, organized in 1934, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the beautification of Suffield. Proceeds from this event support civic beautification, scholarships, town conservation, horticulture education, and garden therapy programs. New members are welcome! Visit suffieldgardenclub.org for more information.