Andover Farmers' Market Returns for 5th Season

This was submitted by Carrie Midura at the Andover Historical Society.

The Andover Farmers’ Market is coming back bigger and better than ever!  Celebrating its 5th Anniversary, the Andover Farmer Market is open every Saturday, beginning June 25 through Oct. 8.  Located on the property surrounding the historic Amos Blanchard House at 97 Main Street, home of the , the market will be open from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Connecting the Farmers’ Market to the Andover Historical Society is a great way to honor Andover’s past.  Amos Blanchard, who built his farm here in the center of Andover in 1818, raised pigs, cattle, chickens, and enough fruit and vegetables to provide for his family.  Andover was once a thriving agricultural community, but today we only see remnants of its farming roots.

This year, the Farmers’ Market and Historical Society visitors will have a chance to learn more about the history of Andover’s agricultural past.  As part of the Society’s Centennial celebration, staff and volunteers have designed a new exhibit, The Dirt on Argilla Road.  Our exhibit opening will be held Friday June 24 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. and is open to the public at no charge.  Come and enjoy viewing this interesting and educational exhibit while listening to soft tunes and tasting delicious foods.  The Dirt on Argilla Road will exhibit items from Andover’s historic farming collection and tell the history of 20th century farms that dotted the landscape of our community. 

Farmers’ Market visitors will be pleased to see many returning vendors including Gaouette Farm, Boston Hill Farm, Farmer Dave’s, and the Andover High School Sustainable Garden Project along with many more.  These local farmers sell a wide variety of healthy, fresh, seasonal produce. The always popular Swiss Bakers and Honey Flour Bakery will also be returning with a smorgasbord of a traditional Swiss delicacies and whole, organic, and locally baked goods.  The Bees Knees will be selling specialty looseleaf teas and treats, too!

Along with these popular vendors, the grounds will be filled with new specialty vendors as well.  Be sure to check out Soula’s Homemade Salsa, Golden Girl Granola, and enjoy organic chocolates from Taza Chocolate out of Somerville, Massachusetts.  Fior D’Italia Pasta and Cheese will be selling a variety of fresh pasta, sauces, and fresh mozzarella, and new this year the Andover Farmers' Market is proud to offer fresh seafood from Globe Seafood Co. based out of Boston. Mmmmmm!! There is something for everyone at the Andover Farmers’ Market, including our canine friends.  Quinn’s Canine Café will provide healthy, tasty treats, no matter what special dietary needs your pet may have.

Another exciting addition to the market will be the sale of wine.  On August 5th, 2010, Governor Patrick signed a new act that allows for the sale of wine at approved agricultural events, including our Farmers’ Market.  Wade Holtzman of Still River Winery in Harvard, Massachusetts will offer his award winning Apple Ice Wine throughout the Andover Farmers’ Market season.  Make sure to visit the Still River Winery tent and learn more about this one-of-a-kind wine.

In addition to our outdoor sales, this year the market has also expanded indoors.  Every second and fourth Saturday of the month, we will open up the exhibit hall as an artisan sales area.  Enjoy the sweet scents of Kittredge Candles, find a handmade craft by Teena Atwood’s Crafty Creations or beautifully recycled jewelry and home décor from Maria LaTorre.  Visit the artisan sales area to get lotions, soaps, home decorations, and much more.

Throughout the season various musicians, healthy living demonstrators, and kids craft activities will add to the atmosphere one can only find in Andover.  To learn more about the Andover Farmers’ Market sign-up for the weekly newsletter The Marketer.  This e-newsletter provides tasty recipes, vendor and market information.  Email farmersmarket@andoverhistorical.org to start delivery to your email. 

The 2011 Farmers’ Market promises to be most exciting.  Great vendors and musicians and our interesting new farming exhibit demonstrating Andover’s historic past will help make our 5th Farmers’ Market season something you won’t want to miss!  Make a special note to join us on opening day, Saturday, June 25. and enjoy classically-trained Flamenco guitarist Evan Cary. A New Hampshire native now based in Madrid, Evan will be performing throughout New England this summer.

The Andover Farmers' Market is managed by the Andover Historical Society and offers educational programming and promotes healthy eating, local economies, sustainability, and community spirit by providing fresh, local produce, baked and prepared foods, as well as hand-crafted goods.The Andover Historical Society tells the unique stories of Andover in order to foster a strong community that knows its history, values what it inherits, and takes pride in what it passes on to future generations. 

The Society offers a variety of educational programs to individuals and groups of all ages.  For further information about Sunday Afternoon Strolls call 978-475-2236; or visit www.andoverhistorical.org.  New history stories are added weekly to the Society’s blog, www.andoverhistorical.org/blog.  The Andover Historical Society is funded in part by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Commission.