Wild Roots Farm offers a variety of plants at the East Longmeadow Farmers’ Market.
Reminder Publishing submitted photos
EAST LONGMEADOW — Set against the backdrop of East Longmeadow’s historic train depot, the East Longmeadow Farmers’ Market has quickly become more than a place to buy produce.
It has become a Saturday tradition.
“We are a family friendly community market celebrating farms, food and small businesses, hosted at The Depot at Graham Central Station, our town’s historic former train station,” said organizer Geraldine Kennedy. “We serve as a community hub where neighbors connect on Saturdays.”
Now entering another season of growth, the market stands out among Western Massachusetts farmers markets for its blend of local agriculture, entertainment and family-centered programming. Visitors can browse freshly picked fruits and vegetables, flowers, plants, baked goods and artisan products while children enjoy a play area and even a free train ride with a purchase.
Kennedy said the market has intentionally created experiences that go beyond shopping. This season includes events such as Friendship Bracelet Day on June 6 and Youth Day on Aug. 15, where young entrepreneurs can sell their own crafts. Local chef Veronica Flores — known as “Chef Vee” and a former Chopped champion — will host live cooking demonstrations in June, while local musicians Mary Kate McGrath and the Happy Ukes of Hampden will provide entertainment.
The market’s rapid growth reflects the community’s enthusiasm. Originally launched by the town in 2021 at Center Field, the market moved to the Pleasant View Senior Center in 2022 before settling at The Depot in 2024 under volunteer management.
“In its first season at the Depot, the market hosted approximately 20 vendors,” Kennedy said. “By the end of the 2025 season, that number tripled to 63 vendors.”
This year, organizers say 80 businesses have already committed to participating.
While produce remains the foundation of the market, offerings have expanded significantly. Returning farms include Wild Roots, D&R Farm, Erickson Farm, Wild Calluna, Quarry Pond Farm and Aisling Farm. Newcomers such as Still River Homestead, a sheep farm, are joining longtime favorites including Daily Bread Co., Wee Scottish Bakery, Short Tea Kombucha and Snark Roast Coffee. Food trucks Cousins Maine Lobster and Bark and Bite will also make appearances throughout the season.
Organizers are also introducing a new passport rewards system, allowing visitors to earn points and prizes by shopping with vendors and scanning QR codes during visits.
For Kennedy, however, the market’s mission runs deeper than commerce.
“Supporting local farms makes them more profitable, which helps prevent farmland from being sold for dense urban development and keeps farming alive in our community,” she said. “Supporting local farmers and small businesses is vital because it strengthens regional economies, protects the environment and improves public health. By choosing local options, we create a community that is more self-reliant and resilient. Money spent locally stays in the community longer. Small businesses thrive on innovation, often providing unique products and personalized services that large chains cannot match.”
She noted that local farmers face rising fuel, seed and fertilizer costs, labor shortages and increasingly unpredictable weather. Small vendors also struggle to compete with large grocery chains and navigate expensive permit systems. Farmers markets, she said, provide a critical direct-to-consumer outlet that helps small businesses survive.
Kennedy believes the market’s greatest success may be the sense of connection it fosters.
“We want the East Longmeadow Farmers’ Market to be an enjoyable experience, a Saturday morning ritual,” she said, “where you grab a cup of delicious coffee, or a breakfast sandwich or a sweet and leisurely stroll through the market greeting neighbors and friends.”
As the market continues to grow, organizers hope more residents will become involved in shaping its future, ensuring the Depot remains a gathering place where local farms, small businesses and community ties continue to thrive.
