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| By G. Michael Dobbs Managing Editor HOLYOKE Despite a rainy stretch last week, the Holyoke Farmers' Market started its season under clear skies with shoppers coming to buy plants for their own gardens. The five farmers at the first market are just a beginning for the annual event, as Mayoral Aide Jennifer Perez, explained. There are nine farmers signed up so far for the Holyoke market that will take place 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Thursday through October in front of City Hall. Perez said the number of vendors has grown over the last three years and crafters will join the farmers as well during the season. She said that thanks to two grants the city received the market would receive more promotion to encourage shoppers to buy foods directly from the people who grow them. The market accepts EBT cards, WIC and Senior Market coupons. Parking is free in the Dwight Street garage with a validation stamp from the market. The market will feature food demonstrations, music and children's activities every week as well as special events. Among the special event scheduled are: May 22: "Flower Power Day;" June 12: "Take a Senior Moment at the Holyoke Farmer's Market" with a performance by the Senior Band of Western Massachusetts; June 26: Strawberry Festival; July 10: "Red, White and Blueberry Festival" with a performance by the Children's String Workshop; July 24: "Take a Senior Moment at the Holyoke Farmer's Market" with a performance by the Senior Band of Western Massachusetts; Aug. 7: Corn Festival; Aug. 21: Children's Day; Sept. 4: "Garden Explosion Festival;" Sept. 18: Farmers' Market Fundraiser with a lunch prepared by a celebrity guest chef. Tickets will be $10. Call 322-5511 for reservations. Oct. 2: Fall Harvest Festival; Oct. 16: The Pumpkin Explosion. The market is a collaboration between the city, the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and the Food Policy Council. |