Vendors at opening day of the Bozrah Farmers’ Market on Friday , July 3 , couldn’t have been happier with the turnout . Despite threatening skies and the occasional rumble of thunder , the parking area was full , and there was a lot of shopping going on .

Betsy Molodich , of Sterling , was running out of produce at “ Betsy’s Stand ” about an hour after the market opened . “ We came with a truckload , ” she said . “ The first hour was nonstop . ”

Several market-goers said they spotted the market as they drove by on Bozrah Street ( Route 163 ) and decided to check it out .

They later walked away with honey , maple syrup , fresh vegetables , goat’s milk yogurt, plants and even steaks from Jonathan Eddy of Thompson .

Eddy , a second-generation farmer and 2002 graduate of Tourtellotte Memorial High School , also sells his New Boston Beef at the farmers’ markets in Coventry and Putnam . His animals are raised without antibiotics or hormones , are fed mostly “ free choice” hay and pasture at Fabyan Farm .

He said it takes a little while for market-goers to realize they can buy USDAinspected , “ Connecticut grown” meats at a farmers’ market . “ They usually take the price list home and then come back and buy some the next week , ” he said . Choices range from ground beef to porterhouse steaks .

Shoppers also enjoyed free samples of iced tea and lemonade courtesy of the local dairy cooperative , The Farmers Cow , as well as freshly-baked flatbread coming out of the blazing oven built by Todd Solek , whose business is called Farm to Hearth . Looking like personal-sized pizzas , the bread was topped with garlic , basil , Swiss char and tomato .

It was Solek’s first time at this market . “ I just finished building the oven five months ago , so we’re hitting the ground running , ” he said .

Helen Krasun , of Bozrah , who displayed her hand-knit hats and handbags , was also new to the market . “ I just learned to knit last winter , ” she said . “ There’s been a lot of interest today – people asking for my phone number – so I am very happy . ”

The theme of the market’s opening day was Colonial life , so there were several re-enactors on hand , including Evan Windsor , who helped his mother Suzanne and sister Blair churn butter , before joining blacksmith Matt Fitch at his tent . On display were a number of Fitch’s handmade items , including an ax and a knife he crafted from an antler and a lawnmower blade .

Market volunteer April Moon – who helped with setting up , and handed out brochures – said she was amazed at the turnout . “ People came here early , before we even opened , ” she said .

The Bozrah Farmers’ Market is held from 4 to 7 p . m . on Fridays , through Oct . 23 , at the town-owned Maples Farm Park , 45 Bozrah St . ( Route 163 ) .

For more information , visit the Web site http : // www . bozrahfarmersmarket . webs . com /