Published in the October 16, 2015 edition.
By WENDY DENNIS
Market Manager
With at least 25 vendors, including Aaronap Cellars, Tower Root Beer and special last market visits from Ackermann’s Maple Farm, Atlantic Saltworks and Downeast Cider House, pasture-raised meats, even more produce than ever from our farmers and excellent banjo music all day long, our final market day of the season with be the place to be on a lovely fall Saturday morning. The Wakefield Farmers Market takes place at Hall Park on the shores of Lake Quannapowitt each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 17.
Presto! Music, a music referral and networking service, will be sponsoring a tent/table to support the “presenting arts” in Wakefield. On various weeks, folks will have a chance to get information and talk to representatives of the Standing Room Only concert series, Wakefield Repertory Theatre, the Sweetser Lecture Series, Music Boosters and other established Wakefield organizations. Look for the Wakefield Presents! banner on a red tent.
Ed Britt and Don Borchelt will be back to help us wrap up the season, playing five-string banjo duets in the old-time clawhammer and three finger styles of banjo picking – the perfect backdrop for a farmers market! Ed and Don are both multiple past winners of the annual Lowell Fiddle and Banjo Contest.
Barefoot Books will be with us, offering their award-winning books and other fun and educational materials for children, many by local authors and illustrators. Be sure to stop by to check out new titles or to just hang out and read a story.
Yarrow will be ready to take requests for balloon art creations and our Kids Activity Tent will be in the center area with paper, crayons, scavenger hunt sheets and, while they last, little grab bags for the kids. There will, of course, be hula hoops, sidewalk chalk and jump ropes on hand for kids of all ages.
Now, here’s what you’ve been waiting for – this week’s vendors!
With the weather still fine for growing but also with some chillier nights that bring extra sweetness to greens, there will be all kinds of fruits and vegetables, possibly even some berries and stone fruits available from Farmer Dave’s, Kelly’s Farm and Charlton Orchards. The list includes apples, pears, corn, greens, eggplant and beans, hard squash, gourds and just dug potatoes. Charlton Orchards will also have fresh cider, pasture–raised beef and eggs and Kelly’s Farm will have their gorgeous cut flowers.
Flats Mentor Farm will, as always, have a lovely selection of Asian greens, radishes, beets, squash, Asian cucumbers and more, as well as beautifully fragrant fresh herbs.
Copicut Farms will have their freshly slaughtered chicken, eggs and their own pork. Be sure to ask about their chicken and pork shares (you can stock up for the winter) as well as how to order a holiday turkey. All of the meats, poultry and eggs from our farmers are from pasture-raised animals.
Note: We are still hoping that West River Creamery can come this week, as well as Vermont Gourmet Candy Dish but, if not, they will be at the Melrose-Wakefield Winter Monthly Farmers Market starting on Nov. 22. More about that coming in the next few weeks!
The Fish Lady, will as always, have fresh, locally caught seafood, labeled with the fisherman who made the catch, as well as with advice for storing and preparing your purchases. You can learn more about this innovative local company at redsbest.com.
Atlantic Saltworks will be here with a really great product made right up the road in Gloucester. Co-owned by Wakefield resident Alison Darnell, this new company offers a light, flaky salt and salt-based seasoning mixes that will dress up any meal. Great for holiday and hostess gifts as well as your own kitchen.
Fior D’Italia will have their pasta, including an amazing variety of ravioli, along with sauces and fresh mozzarella. For the best Middle Eastern food, shop at Samira’s Homemade. From bread, spreads and salads to spinach pies, you can grab lunch for here or to go.
For amazing artisan loaves, stop by Mamadou’s Artisan Bakery. You’ll find lovely breads, sweet and savory baked goods and sandwiches at Swiss Bakers. The Popover Lady has delectable popovers and pies around and for the very best traditional cookies by the four-pack, be sure to visit Goodies Homemade.
The Roasted Granola has a new flavor, Pecan Maple, using maple syrup from our friends at Ackerman’s Maple Farm. The will also have their usual original granola, bite-size snacks and wonderful local yogurt as well as honey.
Ackerman’s Maple Farm offers a variety of products including maple syrup, maple sugar and maple cream from their 3,000 trees nestled in the hills of Cabot, Vt. Be sure to stock up for the winter!
Coutt’s Specialty Foods (Mothers Prize/Pure Preserves) will be here for their biweekly visit with jams, preserves and relishes made from traditional New England – and quite tasty – recipes.
Aaronap Cellars is here this week with their really lovely assortment of award winning wines made right up the highway in Westford. If over 21, you can stop by their tent to sample their innovative, artisanal red and white wines from the best vineyards and orchards in New England and beyond. They have an amazing maple wine, too.
Downeast Cider House will be here with their hard cider in a variety of flavors, including Original, Unoriginal, (my favorite) and their seasonal Pumpkin, (flavored with pumpkin puree and it is really good) and possibly Cranberry. If you can’t make up your mind after sampling, you can get a variety pack of 9 cans of your choice.
Tower Root Beer is back with the traditional root beer and more, including cream soda and the best ginger beer around. (Think Dark and Stormy) NEW: In case you have not heard, they now have excellent Orange and Grape Soda!
As always, Pour Man’s Coffee will have the finest of hot and cold beverages, including Fair Trade coffee, teas, concoctions from fresh in-season fruits and unique and totally delicious baked treats. You can also buy their special blend of Fair Trade coffee beans from Dean’s Beans at their tent.
Emmett’s Edibles will be on hand with treats that even the most discriminating dog will love, as well as little kitty treats with catnip. These are high quality treats made with human grade ingredients and no additives – only the best for your pets.
For artisans, we will have Kaleidoscope Soap, Trow’s Treasures (great herbal products) and artist Sue Wheeler with framed artwork inspired by organic designs and using a variety of mediums.
Don’t forget: Our market accepts both SNAP/EBT and credit/debit cards in exchange for Market Bucks and will again be matching SNAP purchases up to $10 in Market Bucks per visit so that everyone can afford to get fresh and healthy foods at our market. WIC and Senior Farmers Market Coupons are also accepted directly by Kelly’s Farm and Farmer Dave’s.
SNEAK PREVIEW: Stay tuned for news and updates about the upcoming Melrose-Wakefield Winter Farmers Market that will take place at Memorial Hall in Melrose from 11-3 the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the Sunday before Christmas and the third Sundays of January-April.
The Wakefield Farmers Market runs rain or shine (except in dangerous weather, e.g. lightning or hurricane conditions). The market opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 1 p.m. every Saturday through Oct. 17 Please visit www.wakefieldfarmersmarket.org for a current listing of vendors and upcoming events and to sign up for our e-mail newsletter. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter. See you at the Market!
