MONSON — The Monson Agriculture Commission is hosting a farmers’ market on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Memorial Hall to help highlight local artisans and farmers in the area.
The event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature 12-15 vendors from Monson and the greater community as well as live music, Agriculture Commission Chair Bob Skalbite told Reminder Publishing. Items at the market will include baked goods, meats, produce and artisanal goods from the local vendors.
“One of the goals of the Agriculture Commission is to promote local agriculture in Monson,” Skalbite said, noting that the event was designed to focus on Monson vendors and products in order to help increase awareness of local farmers.
While Monson owns quite a bit of land utilized by local farmers, many of the farms are “off the main road,” making it more difficult for residents “go out of their way to buy goods” and for farmers to attract new customers, Skalbite explained. In creating a centralized farmers’ market, local farmers will be able to provide information and share products to interest residents.
He stated that the commission was interested in hosting “as many markets as possible” with the potential for at least one yearly event or up to four times a year or once a month, depending on interest from vendors and residents.
Additionally, organization of events can be impacted by the Agriculture Commission’s infrequent meetings and small number of members, Skalbite said.
The plan for the Sept. 14 market was first initiated after interest was expressed from both vendors and residents. While other groups have hosted markets in the past at the First Church of Monson and Monson Senior Center, an event has not been hosted for “a few years,” Skalbite stated.
The farmers’ market will have vendors both inside and outside of Memorial Hall, with the majority inside the main hall, Skalbite said, emphasizing that the commission would accommodate vendors who wanted to be outside but was also “cognizant” of the memorial at the front of the building. There is no cost for residents or vendors at the event. Parking for the event is available along Main Street and at Dave Grieve Park.
“It’s not going to be a huge turnout, we anticipate that, but we wanted to get one going and then in the future maybe have one in the spring and in the fall,” Agriculture Commission member Ben Murphy stated at the July 23 Select Board meeting. He noted that honey, flowers and autumn-center items will also be offered at the event.
Murphy highlighted that the commission was looking to “teach people what this is all about with the farming … how do we get to where people understand this and how do we get together as a committee where we can answer questions for them.”
“We’re excited to see how it turns out and how to improve [the market],” Skalbite said, emphasizing the invitation for residents to visit the farmers market on Sept. 14.
