By Christine Galeone, Contributing Writer
Grafton – Where can you find colorful produce, beautiful flowers, delicious baked goods, adorable alpacas and talented musicians? Starting Thursday, June 25, you can find them all at the Grafton Farmers Market. The popular seasonal market, which will be held on the Grafton Common every Thursday through Oct. 8 from 2 – 6:30 p.m., has been bringing fresh food and more to the community since 2009.
Tania Chaisson, a Grafton Farmers Market committee member, said the market originated when Grafton resident Michael Urban gathered a group of people to discuss the possibility. They discussed goals, learned from larger markets, met with local farmers and ultimately partnered with the Town of Grafton. Unsure about the community’s reaction, they did a lot of word-of-mouth marketing before that inaugural season.
“With fingers crossed that opening day would not crash and burn, the volunteer committee rang the opening bell on a sunny Thursday in 2009,” Chaisson said. “Many vendors were sold out by 3:30 p.m. It was clear that there was a need in Grafton that was not being met until that Thursday.”
But despite the success of the market, there have been challenges as well. Chaisson said that because the market is a volunteer-run organization, it’s always in need of more help. She also noted that since 2009, there’s been an increase of farmers’ markets in neighboring towns.
“Grafton is a small town compared to others, so vendors have to go where they’ll get the most business,” she said. “But our farmers and artisans are as loyal as they are local, and our customers have developed strong relationships with them over the past seven seasons.”
Many of those vendors are returning for the new season – along with some newcomers. The 2015 vendors include Angel Hair Alpacas, Anna Banana’s Homemade Goodness, Foppema’s Farm, Kathie’s Bakeshop, Mayor’s Plantation, Potter Hill Farm, Pudge Fudge Brownies and Simple Bread.
“We’re very enthusiastic about this season,” added Chaisson, who is also excited about the local musicians who will perform each week. “We’re thrilled that Grafton musician Josh Briggs will once again open this year’s season…and we’re also delighted to bring singer-songwriter Stephanie Forryan, local ukulele duo Cool Hand Ukes, and Celtic musicians Nine Stones to the market.”
Additionally, the market offers fun, educational activities for children. Chaisson said the organization is “committed to connecting kids with ‘real’ food and educating them on where their food comes from” in an engaging way.
“The Grafton Farmers Market holds a number of themed events during the market season – including Family Day, July 16, when we invite local family-focused nonprofits, like Apple Tree Arts and the Y, to attend the market…and bring kid-themed activities like sample music classes and face painting,” Chaisson said. “We also have our Kids’ Tent, where every Thursday during the summer months, we have a new craft that ties in to food, nature and agriculture.”
One vendor that is a favorite among the children is Angel Hair Alpacas. Owner Maureen Agley said her family’s alpaca ranch is happy to be part of the market.
“We have always wanted our farm to be part of the enjoyment of living in Grafton and hope that by being part of the farmer’s market, we are adding to this goal,” Agley said. “It is a great opportunity to share our information about alpacas. And, of course, the children love to see them as well.”
Besides the variety of vendors, products, information and entertainment the market offers, Chaisson said it also provides something even more meaningful.
“We’re so fortunate our partnership with the town has allowed us to bring the Grafton Farmers Market to the community in such a beautiful setting,” she noted. “It’s not just about produce or baked goods; it’s about bringing neighbors together to enjoy all that this area has to offer.”
