Stearns Square in Downtown Springfield hosted 14 local vendors in its Farmer’s Market Grand Opening on a sun-soaked Friday afternoon.
The market, which will be reoccurring every Friday starting at 11 a.m., features a varied and extensive inventory. There’s Bardwell Farms a historic farming company dating back to the 1600s, whose fresh produce demanded the attention of passersby. Bardwell employee Samantha said Bardwell donates a portion of its produce, after each market event, to those in need.
Mattoon Soap’s all-natural skincare products hand-crafted and packaged into sleek translucent containers by Founder Kat Taylor, cleansed the air with its tantalizing scent. Taylor was determined to create chemical-free alternative cleansers friendly on all skin, this has led her to develop a national skincare chain.
Most vendors plan to return to the market each and every Friday, such as Springfield native Lamont Stuckey owner of the vegetable-packed, tangy, “Everythang Sauce.” As patrons praised the Cayanne pepper-infused sauce, Stuckey told MassLive he wishes “to bring plant-based catering to the community.”
Shannon Rice-Nichols, a representative of the Hadley-based Farm Shop and Cafe, says the point of a farmers market is to make sure all residents have access to fresh local foods.
“We also make sure residents have things at different levels of affordability,” said Nichols.
Nichols and company vary the price of produce by the container size, assuring customers could buy organic food at whatever price point allows them.
“Scents by Nancy” candle vendor, Nancy Hawkins sat back and watched local artist, Kyle Langlois, sing and strum his guitar to market attendees. Patrons joyfully listened while drinking NA non-alcoholic beers provided to them by Holyoke-based distributor, Ezra Bleau.
Hawkins sells homemade candles meant to soothe “the mind, body and spirit.” Instead of selling products to customers, more often than not, Hawkins will check in on how patrons are doing.
“Just being able to talk to someone, because you never know the impact you’re gonna have on someone’s day,” said Hawkins.
Hawkins wants to see the market thrive for her community, hoping that more people turn to these local community options instead of “brick and mortar stores.”
The Link LonkJune 12, 2021 at 08:28PM
https://www.masslive.com/springfield/2021/06/downtown-springfield-farmers-market-grand-opening-unifies-the-community-through-fresh-produce-natural-soap-and-music.html
Downtown Springfield Farmer’s Market grand opening unifies the community through fresh produce, natural soap - MassLive.com
https://news.google.com/search?q=fresh&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
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