Farmers' market moves to E. Longmeadow for winter

Date: 11/18/2009

By Lori Szepelak

Correspondent



EAST LONGMEADOW - Neither snow nor sleet will stop the local farmers and vendors who have signed up for a winter farmers' market at United Methodist Church on Route 83.

The church will host the farmers' market on the third Saturday of each month, beginning Nov. 21, according to Belle-Rita Novak, market manager. Farmers' market hours are planned from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

"This location was chosen because the minister of that church is a regular shopper at the regular farmers' market," Novak said during an interview with Reminder Publications. "I thought having it in a different location might attract some folks who don't normally come to the Tuesday market."

Novak noted that visitors can expect to find orchard fruit and winter squash, cabbage, carrots and other root vegetables, along with dairy products, beef, breads and a potpourri of other delectables.

Businesses already signed up to participate in the winter market include Trinity Farm, Berkshire Mountain Bakery, Sweet Pea Cheese, Riverbend Farm, Green Acre Farm, Mayou's Apiary, Chicoine Family Farm, and Wild Mountain Farm.

Novak encouraged area residents to visit the farmers' market to support locally raised and produced products.

"We also provide wooden tokens that people can use just like cash if they want to use their debit or credit cards," said Novak.

Vendors are still welcome to sign up to participate in the farmers' market and can contact Novak at 737-1724 for more information.