Published May 31, 2019
MELROSE — The Melrose Farmers’ Market is entering its 26th year, connecting farmers, handmade food producers, artisans, nonprofits and local businesses, entertainers, and educational groups to the Melrose community. The market runs every Thursday from June 6 to October 31, 2-7 p.m., then 2 -6 p.m. beginning in October.
This year in addition to Dick’s Market Garden and Moonlight Farms, market goers will find more fresh produce from our winter market farmer, Oakdale Farm. The market will feature fresh, local produce, fresh fish, fine meats, poultry, eggs, maple syrup, honey, granola, and cheese. Shoppers will also be able to purchase prepared foods like tamales, Egyptian street food, empanadas, spreads, sweet and savory preserves, baked goods, pastas, teas, salts, soaps, and creative gifts from local artisans.
The family-friendly market welcomes about 900-1200 shoppers per week. The market also matches SNAP up to $10 and has three HIP certified farms, for an added match each month. Each market features live music from 4-6 p.m. The market also holds fun, family events such as, Curious Creatures, Ask a Master Gardener, Yoga in the Park, Senior Day, Dog Days of Summer, Family Day, National Farmers Market Day, and Fit Life take-over at the market. Young visitors are invited to join Club Sprouts from 2:30-4:30 p.m., where they taste the featured fruit or vegetable and earn a stamp in their Club Sprouts passport. Five stamps earns a prize.
This summer market goers can participate in themed days: June 6-Market Opening Day, June 20-Strawberry Festival, June 27-Dog Days of Summer, July 11-Family Day, July 25-Block Party, August 8-National Farmers’ Market Day, August 22-Fit Life Takeover, September 19-Senior Day, October 3-Arts and Crafts Day, October 31-Halloween Bash.
The market will also feature two fundraisers this year. The Urban Farm Tour is back on August 10 where participants can tour residential veggie gardens and urban farms with chickens and goats. September 7 is the Farm to Taste fundraiser featuring tastes/dishes created entirely from food from the Melrose Farmers’ Market vendors. More info on these fundraisers will be available soon.
The market is held outdoors in Bowden Park at the junction of W. Emerson, and Vinton Streets, adjacent to the Cedar Park Commuter Rail stop. Walking, strolling, and biking is encouraged. Parking available around the park.
The market and SNAP match program is generously supported by The Friends of the Market, Melrose Bank ,Eastern Bank, Northern Bank, Seven Hills Pasta Co., H&R Block, AARP, Residence at Melrose Station, Collective Healing Center, Herbstalk, FitLife, and the Melrose Rotary. Weekly music is funded by Messina Fund for the Arts and the Melrose Cultural Council.
For further information or to volunteer, visit Melrose Farmers’ Market at https://melrosefarmersmarket.org
About Melrose Farmers’ Market: The mission of the Melrose Farmers’ Market, a non-profit organization, is to provide all Melrose-area residents with the opportunity to buy and learn about nutritious, locally grown and produced foods. The Market promotes local farms, organizations and businesses and builds community while contributing to a sustainable future. The MFM manages a weekly summer market at Bowden Park .
