Hale and Hearty Fourth of July Celebrants Find Their Way to the Farmers’ Market!

July 4, 2014 -Islands in the storm – That’s how it might have looked to those viewing last Friday’s market from Old Post Rd.  Determined vendors and indomitable shoppers braved the wind and rain in order to sell and buy those deliciously fresh farmers’ market items.

Despite threats that the weather would become increasingly ominous, farmers’ prepared for customers.

And when they were prepared……

….The customers DID come!

To paraphrase the observation of one Land Trust member – the music for this week’s market was provided by Hurricane Arthur – complete with nature’s own version of fire works – thunder and lightning.

People streamed in throughout the early and mid morning hours, many of them alerted by the brilliant yellow lilies visible from the road .  Shoppers could be seen clustered under tents, visiting with one another while they waited for the rain to subside.  And when it did, they would to scurry to shop at the next booth.

What’s Coming THIS Friday, July 11th?

MUSIC with CHRIS FEE!

A VISIT from our OUR INDIE CYCLE neighbors so bring your used electronics!

STORYTELLING with LOREN SPEARS!  

And the produce and products you’ve come to rely on from our local farmers and craftspeople!

Be sure to join us!

 

Blue Ribbon Volunteers – of ALL Ages!!!

Did you need a parking space at the market this past summer?  Directions to a particular vendor?  How about a hand with your purchases?  Or maybe just a welcoming smile and a courteous greeting…Our Volunteers did it all. Under the direction of market manager Beth Iovino and Charlestown Land Trust intern, Sarah McLaughlin our volunteers made everything more accessible, set a congenial tone, and brightened the community atmosphere each week.

The volunteers at our market were unmatched when it came to helpfulness, courtesy, and reliability!  Student volunteers Eric, Nick and Hope were faithfully and competently available each week, often anticipating a vendor’s or shopper’s need even before it was expressed.  

Land Trust volunteers also included several of our members.  On any given Friday it was not uncommon to see Roe and Faith Laboissiere, Karen and Michael Jarret, and Connie Baker bustling about assisting vendors or shoppers, offering information about the Charlestown Land Trust, or just sharing conversation (and delicious market snacks).

 All the while Roger Greenall (our court photographer pictured below) circulated recording images from the summer many of which are displayed throughout this blog. 

And how could we ever forget to mention – with deep gratitude – The Church of the Holy Spirit that VOLUNTARILY offered us our most beautiful location?  While we traded goods at the market, they ran an outreach program for youth in an adjacent space.  Our two year partnership with them has been most fortuitous for us.

Busy opening to the marketI!

If you haven’t had a chance to visit the market yet, make sure you make plans to stop by on Friday mornings to the beautiful grounds of the Church of the Holy Spirit and see what your local farmers and artisans have for you this week.  You never know what you are going to find at the farmers market!

 Fresh fruits, veggies, meats, seafood and bakery items

Market tent and artisan vendors  Cooking demo from The Wilcox Tavern

 Local musicians   

Children’s activities  

Non Profit of the Week  

See you Friday!