Weymouth Farmer's Market Plans to Celebrate Sixth Season Opening
The Weymouth Farmer’s Market is gearing up for its sixth annual season starting on Saturday, June 21st, the first official day of summer. Over a dozen vendors have signed on to participate, and a number of special guests are expected to help celebrate the 2014 kickoff.
“We are excited to welcome back our farms and local vendors for a new season,” says Weymouth’s Mayor, Susan Kay. “Every year the market has attracted more attention and seen greater customer turnout. There are several new vendors joining us for the 2014 season, and we look forward to celebrating another summer of growth and sustainability in Weymouth.”
The farmer’s market kickoff on June 21st will feature giveaways, music, and play activities for Weymouth families. The Weymouth Fire Department will be on site with a truck and smokehouse, and there’ll be scooters and face painting provided by Weymouth Recreation. Wellness professionals from Health Thyself Inc and Manet Community Health Center will also have guest booths. They will be handing out gifts and information related to healthy eating. In addition, the first 200 visitors to the market can take home complimentary “forget me not” flower seeds to plant in their gardens or yards.
As in previous seasons, the Weymouth Farmer’s Market will run every Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at Weymouth Town Hall. There will be a variety of locally sourced foods and fresh goods for sale, including breads, fish, fruits, honey, jams, and vegetables. Shoppers will also find an assortment of homemade crafts and jewelry, natural spa products, and gourmet dog treats for purchasing. The season is scheduled to end with the Great Pumpkin Give-a-Wey on October 4, 2014.
In addition to its annual kickoff, the Weymouth Farmer’s Market has traditionally hosted a series of village days to promote the vitality of the town’s historic business centers – Bicknell Square, Columbian Square, Jackson Square, and Weymouth Landing. In the 2014 season, these events will be extended to the town’s four villages as wholes. The market’s “Neighborhoods Celebration Days” will be open to artists, businesses, clubs, and entrepreneurs alike. Community members will have the opportunity to showcase their products and reach the broader community beyond their homes or storefronts. East Weymouth neighborhoods will be celebrated on July 19th; Weymouth Landing on August 9th; North Weymouth on August 23rd; and South Weymouth on September 6th. To reserve a free table and chairs for a specific neighborhoods celebration day, interested persons are invited to contact Market Coordinator, Casey Maloney, at (781) 340-5012.
As part of its ongoing efforts to make healthy foods more accessible to underserved households, the Weymouth Farmer’s Market will also participate in the 2014 Massachusetts Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program (FMNP). This means that certified farmers at the market can accept WIC FMNP Coupons and Senior FMNP Coupons as payment for locally grown produce.