Arts/Entertainment

Old school shopping: Farmers market gets big crowd on opening day

By Judy Wakefield
Staff Writer
Published: July 16, 2008

Andover's Farmers Market stepped off with bushels of shoppers checking out the fresh produce of some local farms.

"Hundreds of people came by and it was just a great opening day for us, just like our inaugural opening day last summer," said Elaine Clements, Andover Historical Society executive director.

The market is held on the Andover Historical Society's lawn on Main Street each Saturday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. through Oct. 11. The Historical Society cut down some backyard trees earlier this year creating more room for shoppers and vendors during its second season.

Six businesses are taking are taking part this year, including Brox Farm of Dracut, Boston Hill Farm of North Andover, Saja Organic Farm of Dracut, Swissbakers of Reading and Greenest Bean Coffee of Bedford. Sassy River Sauces of Billerica will be there every other Saturday, including this Saturday, July 19.

"We just had a great turnout as I think people in town really enjoy this event," Clements said.

The Farmers Market kickoff party was held the night before opening day, on July 11.

"We pulled out every Christmas light we had and put it up," she said. "Under the lights, people really enjoyed the wine tasting and the music. It was a nice summer event."

Photos

Carl Russo/Staff photo

Camille Wilkins (left) and Genevieve Boshar, both of Andover select tomatoes from Boston Hill Farm in North Andover at the Andover Farmers' Market. The second season of the market, hosted by the Andover Historical Society, began Saturday, July 12, 2008

Carl Russo/Staff photo

Luke Stad, 3 (right) and his brother, Jett, 6 of North Andover enjoy freshly baked chocolate chip cookies while shopping at the Andover Farmers' Market with their mother, Pam on opening day.

Carl Russo/Staff photo

Meri Allen (center) of Wilmington picks cucumbers with the help of her daughter, Catherine Kramer, 12, from the Brox Farm of Dracut at the Andover Farmers' Market opening day.