New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
The Trustees of Reservations, (The Trustees), the nation’s oldest land trust and one of Massachusetts’ largest conservation organizations, has announced the inaugural season of the Westport Farmer’s Market at the Westport Town Farm, 830 Drift Rd., Westport, MA 02790. The Trustees welcome all to enjoy the relocated Westport Farmer’s Market at Westport Town Farm on Saturdays all season long starting June 14th, 2014 from 830am-1pm. The market will host over 12 local vendors offering items ranging from local shellfish, fresh flowers, vegetables, jewelry and much more.
For a complete listing of vendors, please see below. This is the first season the market will be located at Westport Town Farm and the Trustees are excited to continue the summer tradition.
“The Trustees are proud to be the stewards of an iconic piece of town history, Westport Town Farm” says John Vasconcellos, Southeast Regional Director for the Trustees. “The addition of the Westport Farmer’s Market to Town Farm is a celebration of the property’s agricultural heritage and the spirit of how this community cares for itself.”
The Trustees who preserve for public use and enjoyment, properties of scenic, historic and ecological significance entered into a lease agreement with the Town of Westport in November of 2006, granting the organization the management authority of much of this historic landscape for public enjoyment. An antique farmhouse, dairy barn, corn crib, and stone walls dating back to Colonial times complete the picture of this bucolic working farm that served as a “poor farm” and infirmary for more than 100 years. In the fall of 2008, The Trustees initiated a Community Gardens project that honors the Town Farm’s tradition of helping to feed people in need in Westport and nearby towns. The addition of a Farmer’s Market to the many offerings at Westport Town Farm will further highlight the property’s agricultural tradition.
The property’s community garden and agricultural operations are spearheaded by Farm Manager Steve Connors. Mr. Connors has been with the Trustees for six years as the Farm Manager and is happy to have assisted in finding a new home for the Westport Farmer’s Market. “The addition of the Farmer’s Market to Town Farm is a great way to expand our agricultural offerings to the public while maintaining the tradition and spirit of this special place,” said Mr. Connors. “Farmer’s markets are as much about community as they are about contributing to the local farm economy, and I can’t think of a better place to host one.”
The Farmer’s Market will also host a variety of partner organizations offering activities for children and other entertainment. Golden Touch Alpaca Farm will be demonstrating Alpaca Shearing during the first week of the market, the second week will have a pickling demonstration by Dan George – founder of Smoke & Pickles – and throughout the season the market will incorporate new attractions each week. Market attendance is free to the public and all market related family activities are free as well. For more information on vendors, market products or a schedule of activities please contact sconnors@ttor.org.
Current Vendors:
- Skinny Dip Farm – Organic Vegetables & Flowers
- Barry Throop – Jams and Preserves
- 4 Elements – Jewelry
- The Hidden Garden – Flowers
- Quansett Gardens – Vegetables and Baked Goods
- Paradise Hill Farm – Vegetables and Baked Goods
- Trustees of Reservations – Vegetables
- Gray’s Grist Mill / WCLT – Pancake & Johnny Cake Mix and Hot Coffee
- Silk Tree Farm – Goat’s Milk Soap and Eggs
- Seapowet Shellfish – Oysters
- Sharon Owens – Handmade Baskets
- Golden Touch Alpaca Farm – Alpaca Products
