MARBLEHEAD —When you think of a farmers’ market, you might envision freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, perhaps even local honey. However, these markets also serve as communal spaces where people gather and socialize within the community.
Steve Fowler, who runs the Marblehead Farmers’ Market, said building community is a part of their mission statement.
“This is a place to come hang out, some people don’t even shop,” he said.
The Market was in full swing this past Saturday despite a gloomy day. “The past two weeks have been nuts,” Fowler said. He shared that July and August will be even busier as it’s peak harvest time.
Another part of their mission is to provide fresh and wholesome local produce directly from farmers to residents. In doing so, the Market helps protect farms open space and foster the well-being of the local agricultural system. The Market also provides a forum for environmental education groups in town to gain exposure as well.
Other Market team members include Sally Marcy, who manages craft vendors, Louisa Morgan, who books performers, and Don Morgan, who runs the community booth.
Fowler also noted, “We are short on volunteers and always looking for people to help.” This could be a way for Marblehead High School students to fulfill their community service credits.
This season’s farms are:
Anything Grows with plants, cut flowers, vegetables, and herbs.
Bear Hill Farm with beef, pork and vegetables.
Brookford Farm from Canterbury, NH, with meat, cheese, vegetables, and cured meats.
Clark Farm with vegetables and fruit.
Cloutman Farm with mushrooms and honey.
Country Road Farm with maple products.
Grant Family Farm with plants, cut flowers, eggs and vegetables.
Middle Earth with vegetables.
Old Stone Farm with berries and vegetables.
Seafood Express with fresh local seafood.
Sow and Savor with herbs and vegetables.
Fowler explained that “Middle Earth and Grant Family Farm have been with the Marblehead Farmers’ Market since the beginning and now are exclusive only to this Market.”
He said he has noticed a shortage of young people in the farming industry. But this is not the case at the Market’s newest farm Sow and Savor. Emily Fenton, 30, is currently running the farm and has a diverse background in both farming and culinary arts.
Weekly food providers are Three Hundred Fifty, A&J King Artisan Bakers and Bucovina Cuisines. Coffee, tea, lemonade, and water are offered by Boy Scout Troop 79B and 79G.
This coming Saturday, Copper Dog Books will be visiting with a selection of books and can take special orders which typically arrive at the following week’s Market. Something Sweet Without Wheat and Crepe du Jour are the visiting food vendors. The craft vendors are Page Marshall of Seaweed Studio, which offers prints and t-shirts, and Angela Cook, who crafts pottery. Musical performers are Richard Luecke and Michael Deneen of Ten String Duo. The community guest is Seaglass Village, an organization that reimagines aging for older adults by supporting independent living.
Brookford Farm from Canterbury, NH and Seafood Express will not be at the Market June 29.
Established in 1997 by founder Don Morgan, the Marblehead Farmers’ Market first opened at Village School and currently is located at Veterans’ Middle School.
The 2024 Marblehead Farmers’ Market runs, rain or shine, Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon through November 23. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase eligible food items.
For schedule updates and more information see www.marbleheadfm.com
