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WESTBOROUGH, Mass. – The bustling vendor tents on West Main Street were a typical site on Thursdays during the summer. Filled with local vendors selling their goods and eager shoppers purchasing them, the Westborough Farmers’ Market drew hundreds of curious residents from around the area. The farmers’ market finished out its first year in September after what many believe was a successful run.
“I think the market exceeded our expectations,” co-executive director of the Dismas House and one of the people responsible for the Westborough Farmers’ Market, Dave McMahon said. “We had 15 local vendors that included local farms and businesses and we developed a loyal clientele who were sad when we closed.”
The Westborough Farmers’ Market that started in late June was the first of its kind to take place downtown. Vendors from all over the area provided bread, pastries, cheese, meats, flowers, produce and even organic clothing. McMahon said one of the goals of the market was to create a downtown event people could come to every week.
“One thing that worked out really well was that the library had book sales sometimes on the same day as the farmers’ market so it turned into a really lively downtown event,” McMahon said. “It was really cool to see people walking around with books and fresh produce. That’s how it should be and I’d like to see it expand even more.”
McMahon and other organizers will be meeting throughout the winter to plan and prepare for next year’s farmers’ market. He said they are planning to keep most of the same things, but hope to add some more diverse vendors.
“We’re hoping to get a seafood vendor so we can do a ‘dock to table’ program, then a poultry vendor and some more artisan food and crafts. We’ll probably add four or five more vendors,” McMahon said.
The vendors and shoppers who participated in the Westborough Farmers’ Market only had good things to say, McMahon said.
“People were excited about the varieties of fruits and vegetables and other vendors,” McMahon said. “People really liked the location and we got a lot of stop-by traffic and people coming from other towns.”
Anyone who will miss the Westborough Farmers’ Market during the winter months, you can at least look forward to getting the same great service when it starts up again next year.
“As homeowners with kids we wanted something to do to have fun and have a significant downtown event,” McMahin said. “We wanted to get involved with local farmers and the Dismas House and I think we accomplished that. We’re looking forward to next year.”
