Vermont Business Magazine The Isham name is synonymous with the working land in Williston, and fifth generation farmer Mike Isham is making plans to add a weekly farmers market to the family’s Oak Hill Road activities. Isham, with his name recognition and leadership in Vermont agricultural circles and the family’s success selling products like maple syrup, berries, pumpkins and Christmas trees at the farm, Mike believes he has the foundation for a successful farmers market.
Mike Isham and his wife, Helen Weston have a combined 19 generations of Vermont heritage between them.
The Isham Family Farm, being located on busy Oak Hill Road in Williston, has the traffic necessary they believe to make a market in the 1700’s restored barn a reality. The barn has current use as a Champlain Valley Community Events Center operating seasonally as a wedding venue, political events, for birthday parties and other small gatherings.
“We want a destination farm where folks can stop by, hike on one of the farms hiking trails, pick some berries and visit the vendors at the farm. Vendorsrrrrr shall include other local farms and their produce, meats, cheeses, and other products as well as craft vendors and prepared foods. There are several picnic tables scattered around the beautifully landscaped property. There will be local, live music weekly at the market as well as special events, such as coloring areas and story book readings for young children. We wish for the market to be a place where young families can gather together and allow their children to safely play”.
The farm has many assets that attract people to the farm including meadows and trails, indoor and outdoor vendor spaces, ample off road parking, easy access off of Oak Hill Rd. The farm also has an existing customer base.
The farm chose Tuesday so as to not conflict with other Chittenden County farmers markets. They also wish to work around the Wednesday Williston Town Band Concerts on the village green and the Thursday concert series at Maple Tree place.
Source: Isham 1.20.2020