Billings Forge Farmers Market: 'We Had A Good Year'

The end of the growing season is here and with it, the end of the seasonal farmers' markets and their fresh produce.

But the Farmers Market at Billings Forge on Broad Street in Hartford is ending its season with style by hosting one last blast.

The market is hosting a Harvest Day celebration Monday, Columbus Day, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. that will feature not only produce and goods from area growers, but a host of family-oriented activities as well.

A pumpkin painting contest, a barnyard petting zoo, a cooking demonstration by chefs from the Firebox Restaurant next door to the market site, and live music are all planned as part of the event on the last Monday of the farmers market this season. The market will continue to be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays through Oct. 30.

"We had a good year," said market master Hannah Gant. The outdoor market was open two days a week this season. "On Thursdays we have doubled the number of vendors compared to last year, and we are looking to perhaps expand those hours for next season," she said.

Gant said people like buying fresh fruits and vegetables that are locally grown and often less expensive than those found in grocery stores. They also like the fresh pickles, breads, jams and jellies, salsa, coffee and other foodstuffs.

Monday's celebration, which is free, will also include vendors selling cider, cider doughnuts and others seasonal goods as well as fruits and vegetables, Gant said.

Small Bites

Martinis, magic and manicures are on the menu at Angelico's Lakehouse Restaurant, 81 N. Main St., East Hampton, Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. Designed as a "fun night out for the girls" the evening includes mini-manicures and a martini for $14.99 or martinis and psychic "angel" readings, also for $14.99. Reservations are necessary . Call 860-267-1276.

Prudence Sloane will feature a fish and seafood theme at her next Hartford City Food Tour on Nov. 8. The event includes a guided tour of City Fish, 884 Silas Deane Highway in Wethersfield, followed by a cooking class and lunch at Costa del Sol, 901 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford. Cost is $65 a person. Reservations can be made by calling 860-296-1714.

Good News Cafe, 694 Main St. South, Woodbury, will hold a 15th birthday party and charity benefit on Nov. 7 to raise funds for several nonprofit organizations in Woodbury and western Connecticut. Owner/chef Carole Peck and her staff want to raise $50,000 from the combination dinner, auction and raffle that will benefit Community Services Council of Woodbury, Girls Inc. of Greater Waterbury, the Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust of Woodbury. Cost is $116 per person and includes wine and beer bars, hors d'oeuvres, buffet dinner, cake and favors. Call 203-266-4663 for reservations.

Still River Cafe, 134 Union Road, Eastford, is offering a three-course, fixed-price menu on Fridays. Cost is $35 a person. Half-price bottles and glasses of wines are also being offered on Fridays. On Saturdays, the restaurant is offering wine pairings featuring a glass of sparkling wine and a choice of two additional glass pours for $28 a person. Telephone is 860-974-9988.

The Pond House Cafe at Elizabeth Park in West Hartford is offering a three-course Oktoberfest dinner featuring potato pancakes and wiener schnitzel on Tuesdays for $15.55. Call 860-231-8823 for reservations.

Wine Events

The Back Porch Restaurant, 142 Ferry Road, Old Saybrook, and Angelini Wines will host a wine dinner on Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $65 a person plus tax and tip. Call 860-510-9282 for reservations.