The Marblehead Farmers’ Market launches its 26th season on Saturday, May 27. The popular market runs every Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, through November 18. The market attracts up to 900 people a week.
“It’s a great place to get outside and just enjoy the day on a Saturday morning,” said Stephen Fowler, who manages the market. “We honestly have people who come to the market not even to shop but to socialize. Then we have serious shoppers who try to supply their whole week.”
This season, the Farmers’ Market will feature 20 farms and food vendors, with about three craft vendors each week. Of course, the Scouts will be there selling coffee and musical acts will entertain the crowds.
“We have a lot of performers that come back every year. It’s hard to get a spot as a new performer because there are so many returning performers. We have a range of folk and rock. It’s a pretty wide array.” (Music begins June 3.)
So, what’s new this year?
“We have a new baker, Janet’s Cookies. She’s a smaller, home-based baker from Rockport,” Fowler said. “We also have Olive World, with imported olives, olive oils, tapenades.”
Most favorite farms and vendors are returning, with a couple of exceptions.
“Cider Hill is not returning,” Fowler said. After COVID, the popular Amesbury farm decided not to travel. Gibney Gardens is not coming back and Iron Ox Farm is taking the year off.
Here are some of the farms and vendors expected on opening day: Bear Hill Farm, Grant Family Farm, Grant Farm, Brookford Farm, Middle Earth Farm, Cloutman Farms, A & J King, Bucovina Cuisines, Copper Dog Books, Janet’s Cookies, Seafood Express, Valicenti Organico and Crepe du Jour.
The Farmers’ Market is located behind the Veterans School on Pleasant Street. Learn more at marbleheadfm.com.
Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist who has written hundreds of stories for local newspapers, including the Marblehead Reporter. She also works as a PR specialist.