Winter Market returns to Blue Hill after 5-year hiatus

The Winter Market under the glass atrium at Mainescape. Photo by Steele Hays.

BLUE HILL-The Blue Hill Winter Market reopened over the weekend after a five-year hiatus prompted by the Covid pandemic.

There were lots of smiles and hugs and warm greetings, and vendors were busy selling produce, baked goods, coffee, flowers and preserves as the Winter Market reopened Nov. 1 in Mainescape’s glass atrium wing in Blue Hill, the first time since the pandemic forced it to close abruptly in 2020.  

The parking lots were full and many cars were parked along South Street just minutes after the market opened its doors at 10 am. Penobscot-based musicians Mike and Susie Fay played guitar and violin off to one side, adding to a festive atmosphere.

“We’re very happy to be back,” said Tim Skillin of 5 Star Orchard, as he and his wife Molly sold pears, apples and cider at their stand. 

Area farmers had contacted Mainescape’s owners Don and Althea Paine and asked if they would reopen the Winter Market, which had operated from 2009 until having to close in 2020.  

“We went back and forth about it,” Althea Paine said in an interview. “We decided we’d like to do it if we could get enough vendors to commit, and we did.” 

There were 13 vendors at the market who had committed to be there all season, as well as four “guest vendors” who committed for a few weeks, the Paines said.  

Clark and Jordan Fountain of Fountain Farm in Hancock were among the local farmers selling their vegetables at the newly reopened market.

“We need a winter outlet for selling our produce,” Clark Fountain said. “And this space is amazing, so it’s great.” 

Customers were enthusiastic as well. “Everybody is really excited to have this back,” said Dan Dillon of Blue Hill.

The Winter Market runs each Saturday from now until April, and is open from 10 am to 1 pm.  

Kyle Chick of The Bakery 04476 in Penobscot sells bread at the Winter Market in Blue Hill. Photo by Steele Hays.