Wakefield Farmers Market Opening Day June 23!

The Wakefield Farmers Market (WFM) is getting an early start this year, with Opening Day on Saturday June 23. The market will be held at Hall Park on North Avenue, next to Veteran's Field, every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. starting June 23 and continuing through October 20, 2012.

We are welcoming just about all of our vendors back this year and will adding one or two new food and artisan vendors. Entertainment for Opening Day on June 23 will be provided by the talented students and teachers of the Onset School of Music.

Curious Creatures will be at the market on July 21 and Drumlin Farm's Audubon Ark on September 22.  We'll hold the annual Salsa contest on August 18, and the annual Plein Air Paint Out will take place on September 29, with an October 6 rain date. And, Holly Pierce of Sweet Thing Food will be back with cooking demonstrations a number of times during the season.

The big news this year is that WFM will now be able to accept EBT/SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and credit cards Thanks to a grant from Mass in Motion! The market also accepts WIC and Senior FMNP Coupons. Here is how the EBT and credit card system will work:

"We will be using a "market money" system for the SNAP/EBT and credit card purchases.  Customers will come to the Market Manager tent and swipe their card to purchase script reflecting, in one and five dollar denominations, the amount of money charged to the EBT or credit card.  The script can then be used to purchase food and, if purchased with a regular credit card, any item from any vendor.  The vendors will then turn the script in at the end of the day for  reimbursement. More details will be available on the website and at the Market Manager tent at the market each week."

Other news: Due to construction, there will be no parking available at the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department lot across North Ave from the market area.  However, negotiations are in progress for use of the 30 MBTA spots on North Ave closest to Church and Prospect Streets.  A big thank you goes to Selectman Paul DiNocco for this suggestion, Anthony Guardia for his communication aid, and to the offices of Representative Paul Brodeur and Senator Katherine Clark for their assistance in this matter!

Vendors to date include: Ben's Sugar Shack, Barefoot Books, Canistracci Fine Foods, Charlton Orchards, Coutts Specialty Foods, Ellen Garvey Glass, Farmer Dave's, Fior D'Italia Pasta, Flats Mentor Farm, Giovanna Gelato, Globe Fish, Goodies Homemade, In Good Taste (Pam's Salsa), John Crow Farm (new!), Kalaidascope Soap, Kelly's Farm, Kitteredge Candles, Mamadou's Bread, Quilted Comforts (new!), Samira Homemade, Susan Walsh Sewing, Susan's Smoothies (new!), Swiss Bakers, Tower Root Beer, Trow's Treasures, West River Creamery, and Wicked Good Soap.  On the Edge Knife Sharpening will be with us on September 29, and hopefully at least one other date. Some vendors will be at the market every week, while some come alternate weeks or occasionally, so be sure to check back each week for the current schedule of vendors. Also, please see the vendor list at www.wakefieldfarmersmarket.com to learn more about our vendors and visit their websites.

The Wakefield Farmers Market runs RAIN OR SHINE (except in dangerous weather, e.g. lightening or hurricane conditions).  The market, located at Hall Park on North Ave, opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 1:00 p.m. every Saturday during the summer/fall season.  Please visit our website for a complete listing of vendors and upcoming events.  While you are there, sign up for our email newsletter for the latest market news. AND, new volunteers needed and welcome!  You can sign up for the Volunteer list on our website, too. See you at the market!  For more information, see www.wakefieldfarmersmarket.com