WESTFIELD-The 155th annual Strawberry Festival takes place on the lawn of the Episcopal Church of the Atonement on Thursday evening, joining the vendors of the Westfield Farmers’ Market.
Strawberry Shortcake and Strawberry Sundaes will be served from 5 to 7 p.m. for $5 each, and proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield’s initiative to provide healthy food to children and their families.
“Some market vendors will remain open until 7 p.m. for the festival,” said Debbie Randzio, market manager, who shares the market responsibilities with Peter Langmore. The Westfield Farmers’ Market is conducted Thursdays from noon to 6 p.m. on Court Street.
Jenny Doser of Relax.Rinse.Repeat has two new products this season – a Belly Butter and a Sweet Dreams Spray.
Randzio noted this week’s market will feature 26 full-time vendors, as well as Trotwood Acres Farm which will return with produce and pottery, Velma’s Wicked Delicious Kettle Corn which makes its debut, and woodworker Michael Koivisto also returns.
Highlights of this week’s market include a cooking demonstration at 3 p.m. by chef Jen Moynihan of Genesis Spiritual Life Center who will discuss creating one’s own granola, and musicians include David Housman from noon to 2 p.m., singing covers of Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and other folk artists; the Hart and Woody Duo will perform blues and jazz from 2 to 4 p.m., and The Keepers, acoustic duo Marion Dunk and Chip Arnold, will perform a mix of blues, classics, standards, country and original music from 4 to 7 p.m.
“Our special guests include Thrive of Westfield, from the United Way of the Pioneer Valley, who will be offering information on financial assistance for low- and moderate-income families, and Ascentria Alliance, who will provide information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and how to register for benefits,” said Randzio.
Jenny Doser of Relax.Rinse.Repeat. has a new offering this season – Belly Butter which prevents and diminishes stretch marks and heals scarring.
Additionally, the Master Gardeners will be available from 2 to 4 p.m. to provide interactive educational materials for area residents interested in backyard gardening, and Friends of Grandmother’s Garden will be selling tickets for its annual garden party.
Randzio noted that the Welcome Gift Raffle this week will feature tickets to the Strawberry Festival.
For more information on the weekly market, visit www.westfieldfarmersmarket.net or call (413) 562-5461, ext. 101.
