By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Grafton – Weather cooperated June 25 for the opening day of the Grafton Farmers Market’s seventh season. Visitors shopped for fresh produce and artisans’ creations, and learned about nonprofit organizations’ efforts. The market will continue Thursdays from 2 to 6:30 p.m. through Oct. 8 at the Grafton Common with two upcoming special events.
Among the participating vendors and nonprofit organizations were Angel Hair Alpacas, Anna Banana’s Homemade Goodness, Blackstone Valley Women’s Club, Domesticated Wild Child, Foppema’s Farm, Kathie’s Bakeshop, Open Hearts and Minds Foundation, Potter Hill Farm, Pudge Fudge Brownies, Savannah Rose Essentials and Simple Bread.
Also, the Greater Grafton Medical Reserve offered visitors sunscreen and blood pressure screenings. Members of Senior Girl Scout Troop 30269, who are working toward earning a Gold Award, spoke with guests about personal appearance and nutrition. And the Grafton Public Library shared information about its summer reading program.
Meanwhile, singer and guitarist Josh Briggs of Grafton entertained from the bandstand for his fourth consecutive opening day. Musical acts have been scheduled weekly through August. The Grafton Farmers Market Committee is seeking musicians for the final few weeks, noted committee member Tania Chiasson.
“Music adds to the festive atmosphere that we try to bring to the market,” she said.
The market also features a kids’ tent with activities, open through the summer until school begins. On opening day, young gardeners learned how to plant seeds.
This season’s first special event is Family Day, scheduled for July 16, Chiasson noted.
“We invite local family-centric nonprofit organizations to come and they set up a booth,” she explained. “They have lots of kids’ activities such as face painting and crafts.”
Organizations invited to participate are Apple Tree Arts, the Grafton Public Library and the Boroughs Family Branch YMCA in Westborough.
Another special event is On the Common Day, Aug. 20, organized by committee member Elizabeth Clements.
“We give people information for the businesses on the common that they might not know about,” she explained. “And we have a scavenger hunt for the kids. They can go into each business with a parent and look for the scavenger hunt items.”
Lucky children who find the items will win a prize.
Chiasson believes the market’s greatest contribution to the town is its sense of community.
“As small as Grafton is, in this day and age everybody is going in different directions, so it’s wonderful to have a family event for all ages,” she said. “Not to mention the food and music are really great.”
Other committee members are Alison Angell, Liz Colognesi, Zach Kerzee and Carmela Telese. Anyone interested in volunteering can email [email protected].
For updates on weekly vendors and entertainment, visit www.graftonfarmersmarket.com and follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Grafton-Farmers-Market
