From left to right: Peter Langmore, Mother Nancy Webb Stroud, Deborah Randzio, Barbara Gachometti, Judy Harvester (Photo submitted)
By JANINE QUEENIN
Correspondent
WESTFIELD – Fresh from the farm produce is back in season and on sale at the Westfield Farmer’s Market starting tomorrow.
Donna Tatlock-Calking, a member of the farmer’s market committee, is looking forward to opening day.
“All of the goods at Westfield Farmer’s Market are locally grown or produced by the vendor,” said Tatlock-Calking, “We want to encourage people to ‘buy local.’”
Located at the First Church of the Atonement on Court Street, the market is open each Thursday until October 8 from 12:30 a 6:00 p.m. Organizers want to support local farmers and provide consumers access to a wide variety of products and specialty foods.
According to Tatlock-Calking, the market has grown over time from five vendors to 15. This year, the market will host small businesses from all over western Mass. Vendors will sell produce, plants, wine, honey, baked goods, coffee, homemade paper goods, eggs, and even dog treats.
Some of the merchants scheduled to attend include Rudy’s Greenhouse, Pignatare Farms, Stony Creek Farm, Mount Warner Vineyard, and Boomsma Family Farm.
Tatlock-Calking is looking forward to visiting each vendor, but one in particular has caught her attention.
“Moe’s Donuts will also be on hand, making and selling hot, fresh donuts,” she said.
Tatlock-Calkins said the crowds have grown at the current location.
“We have great parking in the back so there’s no worry about on-street parking,” she said. “The church is open for the restrooms or water, and we encourage people to visit the sanctuary.”
Launched by the now-defunct Westfield Business Improvement District five years ago at a different location, the Westfield Farmer’s Market is now run by a committee of church members.
To make the event appealing and affordable to small, local businesses, the committee keeps the vendor fees low. The church provides the space for free, so the only cost to organizers is maintenance.
“(We want to) encourage small farmers and have created a place for them to show their wares and make a profit,” said Tatlock-Calking.
Like many farmer’s markets, the organizers of the Westfield market want to connect with the community while supporting local business. Beginning Thursday, shoppers will enjoy performances by local musicians who are scheduled throughout the season. The market also hosts a strawberry festival to raise money for local charities. Last year, organizers raised $5,000 from the event.
On June 25, organizers will once again sell homemade strawberry shortcake and strawberry sundaes, this time in support of Our House in Westfield. The Strawberry Festival will run from 5-7 p.m. at the farmer’s market and from 6-8 p.m. the Green in conjunction with Westfield on Weekends’ MusicFest.
Earlier this year, the market was approved to accept SNAP and EBT cards. Individuals who wish to use this method of payment should visit the SNAP/EBT table at the market before shopping. Based on the card’s allocation, coins are given out to use with vendors. Purchases with SNAP and EBT cards are restricted to consumables and the coins are only good at the Westfield Farmer’s Market.
Tatlock-Calkins is looking forward to a good season.
“We hope everyone comes out and has a good time,” she said. “Come and see what we have to offer.”
