WESTFIELD-While the Westfield Farmers’ Market closed up its season on Thursday evening, Deborah Randzio, market manager, was excited to announce that the market would expand to include two dates during the holiday season.
Deborah Randzio, market manager for the Westfield Farmers’ Market, on left, chats with Jay Park, on right, owner of Sweet JJs. On Thursday, Park was joined by her husband John Reuss who was assisting with selling delectable offerings.
“The market is expanding into winter this year on a trial basis, opening on Nov. 19 and Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” said Randzio, adding vendors will set up their specialty products inside the Episcopal Church of the Atonement on Court Street.
“We will have many of our regular summer vendors returning with jams, jellies, and winter products as well as a few new crafters joining us for the first time,” said Randzio.
Among those who have already signed up to participate are Natalie Gaudino and Malerie Hinckley of Farmhouse Finds Custom Design, and Jim Fortini of Fortini Gelato and Sorbetto.
At Thursday’s market, Gaudino and Hinckley noted they recently started their business, “inspired” by vintage farmhouse style furniture and accessories that they repurpose.
Natalie Gaudino and Malerie Hinckley, new owners of Farmhouse Finds Custom Design, were showcasing their business at the Westfield Farmers’ Market on Thursday afternoon. The women will also participate in the December market.
“Old is new again,” said Gaudino, noting that some of their popular sellers include decorative Ball jars, signs, shutters and windows.
Hinckley added the two friends enjoy “junk hunting” at estate and tag sales among other “picking” opportunities.
Currently, the women have an assortment of their wares for sale at the Hinckley Harvest Farmstand on Russell Road, and will participate in the Dec. 10 market.
Randzio noted that an important asset of the weekly farmers’ market has been SNAP matches that have benefitted individuals of all ages, from students and mothers with children to seniors.
“With the SNAP match program we have been able to give away over $2,000 a week in healthy food at reasonable prices,” said Randzio. “The program not only helps individuals but also supports local agriculture.”
Samantha Cowles of Southwick is all smiles – with son Oliver – as she wraps up her weekly shopping at the Westfield Farmers’ Market.
Samantha Cowles of Southwick, who was enjoying making some last-minute purchases with her son Oliver in tow, praised the SNAP benefit.
“I have attended the majority of the markets this season,” said Cowles. “My staples have included homemade bread, mushrooms, duck eggs and vegetables, and by also receiving the SNAP match, I have been able to provide more options for clean eating for my family.”
Cowles added that there is also something special about attending the market.
“Shopping outside is always great,” said Cowles, adding, “I’ll be back for the winter markets.”
Looking back at the “fabulous” season, Randzio said the market has quadrupled in size since 2015 when seven vendors participating was the norm.
“We have built the market up to 35 now even though some vendors may only participate once a month,” said Randzio.
Many of the businesses that have been staples to this year’s market will return in November and December, including Jenny Doser, owner of Relax. Rinse. Repeat. Doser was showcasing her latest offerings on Thursday, including Ache Relief Rub, Headache Relief Rub, a Sweet Dreams spray, and her best seller, an all-natural hand sanitizer, among her also popular lip balms, shaving cream, body scrubs and room sprays.
Jenny Doser, owner of Relax. Rinse. Repeat., has new offerings including Ache Relief Rub, Headache Relief Rub, and a Sweet Dreams spray.
“I’ll be back at November’s market,” said Doser.
For Jay Park, owner of Sweet JJs, her cookies, cupcakes, lemon tarts, bourbon pumpkin tarts and specialty rolls were especially popular on Thursday afternoon. She will be a vendor at both winter markets.
“I just started this business after retiring,” said Park, noting she doesn’t miss her commute to Boston for 14 years as a software engineer. “I took a professional pastry program in Cambridge in 2009 and now I am following my passion to create.” At both markets, she will offer gift baskets chockful of cookies, chocolate and other specialty items.
In a related note, Randzio announced the Cultural Arts Council has granted market organizers permission to continue providing live acoustic music for the additional days.
