Oct 112016
 

final-day-fmFinal Farmers’ Market of 2016 season is Thursday, Oct. 13th, 3-7pm at Derby Square! Wow. Seems like only yesterday we were looking at applications, seeing who was returning, and who we could add to uphold our reputation as one of the liveliest and most diverse farmers’ markets in the area.

Derby Square is such a perfect spot as a backdrop for the vendors and their produce. It is wide. It can be entered from practically any side. The steps lend themselves to being look out points to “see it all” from one spot, or they can be extra seating to watch balloon makers or performers singing.

One more shot at bringing home the freshest of the fresh produce local and regional farmers transport to our tables. One more chance to interact with the farmers.

But don’t worry, it’s not goodbye forever – Salem Main Streets is pleased to announce the return of the Salem Winter Market!  A seasonal extension of the Salem Farmers’ Market, this year’s Salem Winter Market will take place on Saturday, November 19th and Saturday, December 17th, both from 1 pm to 5 pm in the Museum Place Mall.  Save the dates and follow us online for more information about vendors and products, to be released in November.

The Salem Farmers’ Market and Salem Winter Market are both made possible through the leadership of Salem Main Streets and the Farmers’ Market Committee, as well as the generous contributions of numerous volunteers.  To get the latest updates about the farmers’ market, visit our website at www.salemfarmersmarket.org, or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SalemMAFarmersMarket) or Twitter (@salemfarmersmarket).

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Aug 152016
 

FarmersMarket_Salem_Logo_LargeWe can write all day about how great our Salem Farmers’ Market is. We can talk about the vendors, and all the various produce and products, especially as we’re starting to enter peak produce season. We can talk about how much we know YOU love us, because you voted us the BONS Readers’ Choice this year! But, our friend John Andrews at Creative Salem made a video on Vimeo earlier in the season, and e think it’s worth a second look as an even better way to give potential first-time attendees a solid foundation as to the fun, food, and friends that can be made.

Salem Farmers’ Market operates every Thursday through Oct. 13th from 3-7 pm in Derby Square on Front Street.

Here are just a few things to look forward to in the upcoming weeks:

  • Starting this week, City Hall To Go will be at the market every week. Pay your parking tickets AND get your kale in the same place!
  • Mayor Kim Driscoll will be meeting us on Aug. 25 for a “Meet the Mayor” event.
  • Each week in September, we will have a market scavenger hunt for kids – well, or really anyone who wants to!
  • Plus we’ve got a few ideas up our sleeves for late September in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Oh yeah, and don’t forget about all the great vendors!

 

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Jul 072016
 

Megan at Clark Farm stand - Week 1Going to the Salem Ma Farmers’ Market today from 3-7pm in Derby Square? You will not be alone. Popularity of these markets as showcases of local farmers has been steadily growing each year. You will find healthy options and good bargains— if you know what to look for.

No less than Forbes magazine, a resourceful publication when it comes to money, reposted a blog this week with tips on getting the best out of a Farmers’ Market and getting the most out of your dollar spent.

The 7 Insider Tips For Cutting Grocery Costs At The Farmers’ Market are :

  • Make a Shopping List and Budget Before You Go
  • Do a Lap or Two First
  • Shop What’s in Season
  • Ask for a Deal When You’re Buying in Bulk
  • Get to Know the Farmers
  • Follow Your Local Market on Social Media
  • Consider Going Later in the Day

Check out the story for the full details. Then support local farmers by shopping at our Farmers’ Market, while at the same time getting some good bargains for you & your family.

 

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Jun 052016
 

Get ready to fill the cupboards, shelves and refrigerator with the best of the best of fresh, nutritious and diverse foods that local farmers can produce as the Salem Ma Farmers’ Market returns this Thursday, June 9th.

SFM  June 2016A who’s who of local farms will help kick off the 8th season in Derby Square, along with music and pop up booths from community organizations. (Vendors with a red asterisk* will be here every other week)

FARMS

Clark Farm In the Hobart/Clark family since 1728, Clark Farm is one of America’s Founding Farms. Out of Danvers. website | facebook

Gibney Gardens One of our many awesome farms. Out of Danvers.

Grant Family Farm Produces vegetables, cut flowers, and eggs. Out of Essex. website | facebook

Heavens Harvest Farm A 17 year and counting Organic Farm, certified by Baystate Organic Certifiers. Out of New Braintree. website | facebook

Long Hill Orchard Growing since 1896. Out of West Newbury. websitefacebook

Maitland Mountain Farm An Urban Small-Plot Farm (with pickles). Out of Salem. website | facebook

Wally’s Vegetables One of our many awesome farms. Out of Haverill.

SEAFOOD

A&J Lobsters Lobster. Out of Danvers.

Rowand’s Fisheries Serving the Northshore with fresh seafood since 1959. Out of Beverly. website | facebook

BREAD

When Pigs Fly Many kinds of bread. Out of York, ME.

PASTA

Valicenti Pasta Farm Fresh pasta, seasonal ravioli & farmstead sauces made with ingredients grown on the Farm and sourced in New England. Out of Hollis, NH. website | facebook

CHOWDERS

Fishwives (Mandy’s Wicked Chowdah) All Natural – Gluten Free Chowders & Bisques. Out of Marblehead. website | facebook

SAVORIES & SWEETS

Auntie Elsie Oatmeal Crisps* A modern take on the classic oatmeal cookies, a handcrafted premium crisp. Out of Belchertown. website | facebook

Grammy’s Bakery Baked goods (cheesecake, cupcakes, and a variety of cookies.) Out of Salem.

Honey Pot Maple Farm* A Massachusetts producer of Honey and Maple Syrup and Maple products. Out of Wilmington. website | facebook

Jodi Bee Bakes A vegetarian bakery & café that specializes in all-natural pastries and savory items, including several vegan and gluten-free selections. Out of Salem. website | facebook

La Creperie  Sweet and Savory Crêpes made to order. Out of Beverly. facebook

Powerhouse Juice An all natural juice bar offering cold pressed juice, smoothies. Out of Lowell. website | facebook

PREPARED FOODS

All Fruit Inc* Dried fruit and nut mixes. Out of Salem. website | facebook

Cauldron Fermented Foods Fermented foods: Black and White Sauerkraut, Firecracker Carrots, Dilly Green Beans. Out of Boston. websitefacebook

Milk and Honey Cheeses and meats. Out of Salem. website | facebook

TEAS, HERBS, SPICES

Salem Spice Spices and spice blends. Out of Salem. website | facebook

WINES & HARD CIDERS

1634 Meadery*  Honey-wines made from local ingredients and specialty meads from varietal honeys. Out of Ipswich. website | facebook

Far From The Tree Cider Making small batch craft hard cider. Out of Salem. website | facebook

Mill River Winery Wine. Out of Rowley. website | facebook

JEWELRY

Heritage Handmade Handcrafted Items made by artists with disabilities, Primarily Jewelry. Out of Peabody. website | facebook

BED, BATH & HOME PRODUCTS

Bare Cheek Beauty* Handcrafted natural skincare products. Out of Gloucester. website | facebook

Just Herbals* Herbal Teas (Locally grown), Fine Cider, Elderberry Syrup, Herbal Body Care Products, Medicinal Herb Starts. Out of Ipswich. websitefacebook

Salem Soapworks Handmade goat’s milk soaps, bath and body products. Out of Salem. website | facebook

SNAP/EBT CARD

And being on a tight budget is no excuse to not eat healthy if you want to. The Salem Farmers’ Market also accepts the SNAP/EBT card.

Just head over to the designated Farmers’ Market table (located off Front St, on the Lobster Shanty side). Ask for the Market Manager. Select how much you wish to spend using your SNAP/EBT card and he will give you tokens valued at $1, $2, or $5. Then shop using the tokens as cash. Certain restrictions apply. Information provided at the table.

The 2016 Edition of the Salem Ma Farmers’ Market is made possible by Salem Main Streets, City of Salem, Salem Chamber of Commerce, Salem Five, and Endless Energy.

Be there this Thursday from 3-7pm. Over 2000 people shopped last season at our Farmers’ Market. Join the crowd!

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Dec 172015
 

Good news and bad news. We’ve got a Salem Winter Market scheduled for Saturday Dec. 19th from 1-5pm at 217 Essex Street. Bad news is that it is the last market of the season.

WM2

Fresh home grown & produced items await your delight. Stock up with some great main course and accessory food for your holiday table. Support local farmers. And have fun. What more could you ask for on a Saturday before Christmas. Oh yes, Santa.

A little elf told us “Santa will be there sometime between 2 to 4pm.” Apparently the big guy has a lot on his plate to pin him down (get it, plate, food, Winter Market…).

It has been an interesting experiment to hold two special Winter Markets instead of the traditional multi-week Winter Farmers’ Market after the Halloween break.

“Our November market exceeded all our expectations,” reflects Kylie Sullivan, Salem Main Streets, Executive Director. “We were so pleased with the number of shoppers, the quality of the vendors, and how much activity it added to the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall.”

WM3“At these markets, you can actually talk to the people who’ve made the lotion, who’ve raised the chickens, who’ve stitched the clothes. You see your neighbors, catch up with long-lost friends, and say hi to a chef from one of our wonderful downtown restaurants as they shop for ingredients for that night’s menu. There’s so much added value when you shop at local markets like ours.”

She adds, “We’re also so thankful to Advanced Realty Management for the use of this beautiful space. We love being able to use it for this event, but we also hope that it helps people imagine how the space could be used and help us fill the current vacancy.”

So, while you’re looking at the goods, talking to the vendors and having some holiday shopping fun not being pushed around like at the mall or big box store, keep an open mind for others uses of the space at 217 Essex. It’ll be your gift to the community.

The Salem Farmers’ Market and Winter Market are organized by Salem Main Streets with assistance from Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, and the City of Salem, Salem Chamber of Commerce, and numerous volunteers. For further information regarding current vendors and Winter Market updates, refer to the Market’s website, Facebook, and Twitter pages, or contact Kylie Sullivan directly at 978-744-0004 x15.

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