The Hebron Farmers’ Market celebrated its grand opening on a glorious Saturday morning on June 19 . This is the second yearfor the market , held on the grounds of the First Congregational Church at the corner of Routes 66 and 85 . Participating in a brief opening ceremony were new Town Manager Bonnie Therrien , and members of Boy Scout Troop 28 . Amber Albin , going into her senior yearat RHAM High School , performed the national anthem . “ Four Tune Seekers , ” a barbershop quartet out of Norwich , performed several selections , as did “ Street , ” a threesome consisting of local teens Bethany Zufael , Mark Nolte and Alex Nolte .

A new vendor this yearis New Boston Beef , LLC , out of Thompson . Farmer and owner Jonathan Eddy said that all of his beef is free of hormones and antiobiotics . His animals are pastured until the end of November . “ They live a hell of a good life until Judgement Day , ” said Eddy with a smile . New Boston Beef offers all of the traditional cuts that you’dfind in yourlocal grocery store . For those preferring poultry , the market will be offering locally-raised chicken once a month .

But the focus of the market is the fresh fruits and vegetables , and the grand opening featured early harvest items such as strawberries , lettuces , and tomatoes . “ Every week there’s new produce , depending on what’s in season , ” said Susan Berry , from Hebronbased Country Family Herb Farm and Country Family Soaps . Berry grows 75 different varieties of herbs , and produces herbal soaps free of chemicals and preservatives . She said the market offers an opportunity to support local growers , as well as a more nutritional fare than yourlocal supermarket . At the market , you’regetting produce that has been picked that very morning , so it hasn’t had time to lose nutrients . “ People that don’t grow their own produce can get the best nutritional value here , ” said Berry .

The Hebron Farmers’ Market will be held every Saturday from 9 a . m . to noon , from now through the end of October . The market plans to offer live entertainment each week . For more information , go to www . hebronfarmersmarket . com . You can also sign up to receive e-mail notifications via the website .