Pignatare’s Farm was busy selling fresh fruit and vegetables.
Reminder Publishing photos by Amy Porter
WESTFIELD — Despite the blazing heat on Thursday, July 24, vendors at the Farmer’s Market were cheery, and several spoke about the successful season they were having with their products.
The Westfield Farmer’s Market takes place on the lawn of the Episcopal Church of the Atonement on 36 Court St. at the intersection of Pleasant Street every Thursday from noon to 5 p.m. through Oct. 16.
Pam Baron of Wham Bam Thank You Pam! Baked Goods and her husband David Baron said this is their first season at the Farmer’s Market, where they set up every other Thursday in their colorful pink-themed booth.
Newcomers to Westfield, the cottage bakery, which Pam Baron said is SERV Safe, licensed and holds a manager’s certification, started in Denver in 2018, before the family moved here.
David Baron said sales at the Farmer’s Market are going well. “They purchased a bunch the first time we were here, then next time, a bunch more,” he said.
“We have loyal customers now,” Pam Baron said.
Another first season vendor, Linda St. Onge of Skyline Country Kitchen in Chester, informally known as “the pickle lady,” also sets up every other Thursday at the market. She said the sales have been “phenomenal.”
“I’m amazed people are looking for pickles,” St. Onge said.
Isaac Viscarrondo was manning the EnergyUp’s table, selling fresh juices including the featured watermelon, which was refreshing on a day in the high 80’s. EnergyUP has been selling at the Farmer’s Market for four years, before opening a store with the same name at 40 Elm Street a year and a half ago.
“The Farmer’s Market was his start,” said family member Olga Gonzalez.
Emily Lawler and Eileen Vazquez of the UMass Extension in Springfield were present to promote nutrition, agriculture and farmer’s markets in the community. Their table is always worth a stop to pick up recipes and samples — they had fresh salsa on Thursday, nutrition education handouts and other giveaways.
Pignatare Farm and Ray’s Family Farm were among the vendors busily selling their fresh produce at the Market.
Debbie Bruno and Holly Rodriguez of the Episcopal Church had raffle tickets for either a tool or spa basket. They also had crosses made from the historic Beech that formerly graced the church.
Next to them, Michaela Block of Montgomery was selling water to support the Farmer’s Market.
In the background was music from Jacob Kordas.
Vendors, musicians and food trucks alternate at the Farmer’s Market, so it’s worth stopping in weekly to see who’s there. More information may be found at farmersmarketwestfield.org.
