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Tips (13) for Best Results at Farmers’ Markets – Especially in Salem Ma

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Jun 222015

We came across an interesting article in Reader’s Digest that advised on “13 Things You Should Know About Farmers’ Markets.” Thirteen, really? That’s so Salem, Ma!

While we can’t list all 13 without infringing copyrights, a few are obvious no-brainers such as get there early for the freshest of the fresh, and it can’t hurt to ask for a sample if it’s something you’ve never seen.

We also found #8 out of the 13 to be worthy of re-posting as it speaks from the vendor’s side of the table. Something you may not have thought about.

8. Standing out in the summer sun is nice, but the job isn’t easy.
Up early, loading trucks with heavy produce, being mindful of money, home late. Plus, when it rains, customers stay away and bad weather can easily damage products.

The vendors who take the time to participate in our Farmers’ Market are not paid representatives of corporate monoliths. They ARE the lifeblood of the products or services on the Derby Square tables that you see Thursdays. Every minute they are here is a minute taken away from tending to crops or producing a product (for example, bread does not grow on trees…). Any size purchase or positive comment is welcome.

Take the time to read the Reader’s Digest article for more tips and insights.

The Salem Ma Farmers’ Market operates now through Oct. 22nd on Thursdays from 3-7 pm on Derby Sq. as it intersects Front Street.

(Cover photo courtesy John Andrews at Social Palates Photography)

Proud of Our Pride Events & Participants

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Jun 212015

Dreary as today may be, Saturday was a day of sunshine and colors and an outpouring of support for the LGBT community with the 4th Annual North Shore Pride Parade and Festival. Accompanying photos are all courtesy of John Andrews at Social Palates Photography; go to Creative Salem Flickr to see more.

By all accounts the Parade and Festival were successful.

“As I sit here watching the torrential rain here on the North Shore I am very grateful that our 4th Annual North Shore Pride Parade and Festival yesterday was a celebration of Unity for our Community in glorious sunshine and splendor. A huge thank you to North Shore Pride’s AMAZING volunteers who never stopped working yesterday and kept asking for MORE work. We could never do it without you. Extreme gratitude to our sponsors, without their support North Shore Pride would have remained just a dream. —– Hope Watt-Bucci, Honored President, North Shore Pride

Full text of message at https://www.facebook.com/northshorepride

Pride Parade- – – Creating Unity in Salem & Along the North Shore

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Jun 192015

This is what Salem aspires to be all about. Diversity & inclusion. The town that discriminated against witches is now the place where the LGBT community will hold its annual expression of solidarity (and fun) – – – the 4th Annual North Shore Pride Parade and Festival, June 20 starting at noon.

If you’re looking for a historical perspective on the Pride Parade, Wikipedia provides one.

Essentially the Pride Parade endeavors to broadcast to the world, or for the Salem march at least to the North Shore, that LGBT people are composed from a variety of social, economic and ethnic backgrounds. They are real people. And although communities strive to foster diversity and inclusion, the parade is also a platform to say there are still issues to be resolved.

That said, the 4th Annual North Shore Pride Parade and Festival has been designed to be a colorful, lively, loud expression of personal choice. This year’s theme is Standing Proud Together.

The parade kicks off from the Post Office at noon (see parade route) and makes its way to Salem Common, where festival activities (including food, arts, crafts, live music, plus local nonprofit and business vendors) will take place from 1-4:30pm.

This year’s entertainment lineup at the festival showcases the talents of headliners XELLE. Also in the lineup: Adrienne Mack Davis as part of her world tour; local favorites, The DeJas, Big Ol’ Dirty Bucket, Sarah & The Wild Versatile, Pocket Tanya, Siren of the Circle, Jenn Lombari and Lucky United.

Retailers and local artists have also been getting involved and showing their support. A wide variety of rainbow flags can be seen everywhere. For example, Diane Hoffman on Artists’ Row (of DINO Diane Hoffman Textiles) has been gleefully cranking out rainbow prints in preparation for the day’s events.

There will also be a special 5 pm performance of “The Normal Heart” at Salem Theatre.

And rounding out the day will be an official After Party outside at Murphy’s Pub starting at 5 pm ($5 suggested donation at the door).

North Shore Pride is a 100% volunteer run non-profit organization. The annual North Shore Pride Parade, Festival and year-round community events are made possible by the work of countless volunteers, individual donations and the support of community sponsors.

Berklee Summer Series to Present Rising Star to Salem

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Jun 122015

Walking through Salem this Saturday around 5-7pm you may hear some interesting sounds emanating from Derby Square. We suggest you let your ears guide you to a very special performance by a rising star, jazz bassist Marika Galea, and her quartet as part of The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival 2015 SJSF/Berklee Summer Series.

The festival is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that produces free concerts and raises money for music education causes on the North Shore. And the Summer series showcases some very talented people of whom you may or may not be aware.

Rising star and bandleader, Marika Galea, is a good example. She is a respected young jazz bassist and composer who has studied with and opened for a number of highly acclaimed artists including Bucky Pizzarelli, Branford Marsalis, Al Jarreau, and Teri Lyne Carrington. Originally from Canada, Marika is carving out a reputation on this side of the border as a jazz bassist, journalist, and educator with longevity.

She is a full scholarship student at Berklee College of Music, working toward a Bachelor of Music in performance and classical composition.

To hear samples of her work …

Her compositions range from swinging hard bop tunes for quintet and lyrical songs for bands to ‘classical’ works for small ensemble.

According to her bio page on Youth Jazz Canada website, she eventually plans to have a “career in international relations as a musical ambassador for both Canada and the United States.”

She has a good start with her international quartet:

From Israel, Yoav Eshed (guitar) who has been studying music since childhood; he won the third place prize in the 2104 Montreux Jazz Festival International Guitar Festival in Switzerland.
From Japan, Tomoaki Baba (saxophones) who began playing in a big band at age seven; the band went on to play at the Sydney Opera House during a cultural exchange.
From South Korea, Johgkuk Kim (drums) who released his first solo album when studying at the Seoul Institute of the Arts at age 16.

All members of the quartet are current Berklee College of Music students.

This Saturday’s performance, sponsored by Creative Salem, will also feature an educational interview about music and the Berklee experience.

Two more SJSF/Berklee Summer Series concerts will take place this year: Beneil Miller on July 11; and Chuks Okpu on Aug. 8. The ninth-annual Salem Jazz and Soul Festival will be held during the weekend of Aug. 15-16, featuring 10 bands, a kids’ tent, music-education tent, artisan fair and 21-plus beer pavilion. The two-day concert is also free.

Grab Your Shopping Baskets! Salem Farmers’ Market is Back!!!

New Businesses, Salem Dining, Salem Event, Salem Farmers Market, Salem Festivals, Volunteer Opportunities No Responses »

Jun 092015

No sooner does the energy of the Salem Arts Festival fade from Derby Square / Artist’s Row area than the Salem Farmers’ Market moves in with just as much fanfare, sounds, sights, colors and characters. This Thursday, from 3-7 pm you can get fresh with a veggie, fruit, etc. at Derby Sq on Front St. — rain or shine.

A farmers’ market allows growers the opportunity to market directly to consumers without having to deal with a food broker; they can also explain to customers how the food is grown and even advise on preparation. It’s a win/win.

That is especially true this year as we have a bumper crop of farms that will be delivering diverse produce.

Clark Farm
Gibney Gardens
Grant Family Farm
Heavens Harvest Farm
Honey Pot Farm (new!)
Long Hill Orchard
Maitland Mountain Farm
Wally’s Vegetables

But, as has been said before, this isn’t your grandmother’s Farmers’ Market. It’s produce and more.

Things You Can Eat (or drink)
A & J Lobsters
All Fruit, Inc. (new!)
Auntie Elsie’s Oatmeal Crisps
Cookie Monstah
Far From The Tree
Fishwives Specialty Foods
Jodi Bee Bakes
Grassy Roots (new!)
Milk and Honey
Mill River Winery
Rowand Seafood
Stillman’s at the Turkey Farm
Sweet Lydia’s
Swissbakers
Valicenti Pasta Farm
When Pigs Fly

Other Things To Bring You Joy
Teas, Herbs & Spices : Just Herbals (new!); Salem Spice

Jewelry: Heritage Handmade

Bed, Bath, Home Products: Salem Soapworks

Plus music. Don’t forget the music. Everything from folk to rock, Celtic tunes, sea shanties, and classical to name just a few. Keep checking this list as we constantly update the performance schedule.

The Salem Farmers’ Market participates in SNAP and accepts the EBT card. SFM is still looking for volunteers to help with set up and break down of the market. Click here for more info.

Salem Farmers’ Market is a Salem Main Streets project in partnership with the City of Salem, the Salem Chamber of Commerce, and Mass in Motion Salem.

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