Wet Start to Belmont Farmers Market Season

Raining and cool weather isn't the most ideal time to sell ice pops but for Cambridge's Dewey Cyr, the owner of Real Pops, the wet conditions didn't damper her enthusiasm selling paletas, a Mexican version of the good ol' Popsicle on opening day of this season's Belmont Farmers Market. 

"I'm excited that I had people who didn't mind the rain and came over," said Cyr, who came to the market on Claflin Street a bit unprepared for just how cool the weather would be (a friend did come by with a coat later.)

Cyr, who got her business going by raising approximately $7,700 from 200 donors through a Kickstarter challenge, sat by her trike that she rides around ("It's surprisingly difficult to steer," she said) her ice case that keeps her pops – made with all natural ingredience such as strawberries, peach, avocado and lime and grapefruit – cool.

"It'll get busy when its 90 (degrees) but its always a good time for (pops)," said Cyr. 

Ice pops, vegetables, early-riping fruit, breads, fish, lobsters, pasta, cookies, teas, eggs, meat and hummus was sold to a steady number of customers who braved the day-long rain this past Thursday, June 13.

Dan Tanabat, the owner (and loyal Market customer) of Patou Thai Restaurant on Leonard Street, cut the ceremonial tomato chain as fanfares and music from the Meyer family heralded the market's eighth season. 

Cyr joins a number of new vendors to the market – a complete list can be found here – which this year will include visits from musician, storytellers from the Belmont Public Library as well as a partnership with Beth El Temple Center to grow produce at the Center for the Belmont Food Pantry.