Say it isn’t so! The good news is the Farmers Market Committee will, indeed, have a Farmers and Artisans Holiday Market on Saturday, December 7, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The bad news is that it will be the last market for the foreseeable future.
“At this time, we do not have any plans to continue the farm markets beyond the holiday market in December,” said Lisa Auclair, chairman of the committee. “The committee will continue to meet monthly this year, and we will decide where we go from there.”
She explained that the group has worked for 18 years to plan and produce the farm markets, first weekly during summer and fall, and then on a reduced schedule of three markets since last Christmas.
“We will miss the market very much,” said Auclair. “We have so many fond memories, have made many great friends and hope this last market in December will be a festive celebration of the many years we shared.”
The market will honor its association with its long-time vendors by making this market free for only 35 vendors. Those interested should read the Policies and Procedures, fill out a Vendor Application and return it to manager Angie Bollard.
The market was nearly cancelled last year when both Auclair and Bollard announced they would step down. At the eleventh hour, Chelsea Ryll offered to manage pop-up markets during the summer and winter Weekend in Norfolk celebrations and at Christmas. In turn, Bollard joined the committee and Auclair agreed to continue as chair.
“Currently, we have taken over the community garden and hope to continue that project going forth,” said Auclair. “We have all been at this for a long time and are ready to focus on something new.”
The beds, located on Botelle School grounds, are prepared annually with help from Region 7 agriculture students and some seeds are planted with Botelle students on Earth Day. Some of the food is shared with the Food Pantry, while committee members use the rest.