Farmers’ Market to open June 16

Will run every Wednesday from 3-6 p.m.

By Jonathan Cook

Turley Publication Reporter

WEST BROOKFIELD – The farmers’ market proposal has been approved and a start date set. The first market will be held Wednesday, June 16 from 3-6 p.m. and will run through October.

The only remaining question is parking. The Board of Selectmen has not yet heard from Police Chief Thomas O’Donnell on that matter and, while the market has permission to go forward, where the parking will be allowed and restricted has not yet been determined.

Also, instead of running the market with a town committee, an independent, non-profit committee of volunteers will be formed.

Organizer Amy Dugas said there will be a need to get private insurance, which will cost somewhere between $335 and $500. A fee will be charged to vendors to cover that cost.

New Selectman Mike Frew said the proposal was the product of a lot of work and thought. He added that he was glad there would be no crafters and all vendors must produce everything they sell.

“You have authorization to proceed,” said Chairman David Eisenthal after the board voted unanimously.

According to Dugas’ proposal, “the West Brookfield Town Common is an ideal location for a farmers’ market not only because of its size and beauty, but also because of its visibility along routes 9 and 67.”   

The proposal states that a market would be “a great addition to the community. Downtown businesses will benefit from the increased consumer traffic and residents will have a convenient, centrally located market where they can purchase high quality, locally grown products on a regular basis.”

The proposal goes on to say the market is an apt way to celebrate the 350th anniversary. “I cannot think of a more appropriate way to commemorate our town’s history than to showcase local farms and businesses making a living the ‘old-fashioned’ way.” 

According to the proposal, the farmers’ market will help secure a local food supply and save the rural landscape. Farm-based products available to consumers. “Buying local will have a positive impact not only on area farmers and businesses but also on consumers.”   

Vendors to be sought for the market will provide fruits and vegetables, honey, maple syrup, frozen meat, eggs, cheese, jams, jellies and baked goods. Also, there may be perennials, annuls and seed starts, as well as much more.

“This, in my opinion, is a work in progress,” Dugas said. “So, what we have now, I’m sure if we run into issues, we can address them as they happen. And the market can grow and change as needed.”