Opening Day Nears for Lexington Farmers' Market

The long winter wait comes to an end on Tuesday, when the Lexington Farmers' Market opens for its sixth season, offering an extensive list of fresh products – anything from goat cheese or gluten-free goodies to peaches or pastured pork.

Thirty-two farmers, including a few new and many returning, will sell their goods at the market – held every Tuesday, rain or shine, from 2 to 6:30 p.m. at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Woburn Street.

Last year, anywhere from 800 to 1,000 people visited the market each week, with up to 1,500 stopping by on a really busy day, said market manager Lori Deliso.

A growing trend toward buying fresh foods and local products has also helped the market's popularity among buyers, while already Deliso said there is a waiting list for those wishing to sell goods at the market.

Vendor offerings include seasonal fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meat and fish, baked goods, relishes and salsas, maple syrup, homemade pastas, Egyptian and Lebanese foods, beeswax products, herbs, gelato and sorbet, teas and more.

"We have great local products," Deliso said. 

The list of artisans offering their handmade wares is also extensive, with four different artisans to be featured each week, selling a variety of unique jewelry, ceramics, mosaic picture frames, fabric belts and totes, stationery and more.

A new highlight this year is the market accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits – one of the only markets to do so in the area.

A double-incentive program will also provide those using a SNAP card with a coupon granting them twice as much produce - $5 in SNAP vouchers buys $10 worth of produce, for example.

"We're really excited about that," Deliso said. "It benefits the shoppers, giving them more dollars and fresh, nutritious food. It's great for them, it's great for the farmer - we think it's really important."

Also new this year, the market will extend past its end-of-October closing date, with one final market scheduled for the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, at Seasons Four outdoor living store on Massachusetts Avenue.

The market also has events and activities planned for throughout the season, including a popular bike to market day on June 15. Valet bike parking will be available from the Friends of Lexington Bikeways, and bikers will receive a $2 coupon to use at the market.

Other events include a presentation on raising backyard birds on June 8, a Lexington Farm Coalition Day on June 22 and a Go-Green day with Cary Library on June 29.

"We always have a lot of stuff going on at the market," Deliso said.

The market is run by managers Deliso, Deb Jackson and Janet Kern, with a fleet of more than 50 volunteers and a handful of corporate sponsors.

The opening day schedule of events for Tuesday, June 1:

2 p.m.: opening bell, rung by Wally Brine of WROR Radio

3-5 p.m.: gardening advice by Sija Halva; garden-stick painting activity

3:30-4 p.m.: Lexington High School a cappella group Euphoria

4-4:30 p.m.: Local musician Jeffrey Terrace

4:30-4:45 p.m.: Lexington Fife & Drum Corp

5:30- 6:15 p.m.: Tap dancer Valery Marcantonio and friends

To see a list of farmers and artisans who will be at the market, visit the Lexington Farmers' Market website.