Dear Wakefield Farmers Market community,
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you who joined us last Saturday, during Hurricane Lee, for another incredible market day at Hall Park. Your unwavering support and enthusiasm are what fuel our dedication each week, as we come together for 20 weeks during the summer and fall to celebrate local produce, artisanal crafts, and the spirit of community.
Upcoming Public Meeting - October 5, 2023:
Looking ahead, we'd like to draw your attention to an important event. On October 5th at 7:00 pm at WCAT, an open forum is scheduled to discuss planned construction for Veterans Field and Hall Park. These changes hold the potential for a significant impact on the Wakefield Farmers Market, including the possibility of canceling part or all of the 2024 season if those decisions hinder our ability to fully support our local farmers, vendors and cherished customers.
To be informed and engage in this critical discussion, we encourage all our supporters to watch the December 12, 2022 and September 11, 2023 Town Council Meetings on Youtube. These meetings will help shed light on some of the changes being deliberated, helping us all comprehend the plans. Please feel free to visit the Market tent with any questions.
Market Day Highlights:
Now, let's dive into the exciting lineup for our upcoming market day on September 23rd, 2023, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at Hall Park. Prepare for a day of gastronomic delights, artistic discoveries, and community connections.
Fresh Bounty of Produce:
At the heart of our market are the farmers who nurture the land and bring forth the freshest produce. This week, we feature Farmer Dave's (HIP), Griffin Hall Farms Microgreens, and Kelly's Farm. Their dedication and hard work make our tables vibrant and our meals wholesome.
Delicious Meats, Cheeses, and More:
Lilac Hedge Farm offers a selection of meats that's sure to please any palate. The culinary adventure continues with an assortment of cheeses and fish.
Sip and Enjoy:
For those seeking refreshment, our beverage lineup includes Beraka Juice, Creations Coffee, and Pour Man's Coffee. Recharge and savor the day with these delightful options.
Artisanal Delights:
Explore the craftsmanship and artistry in our community with offerings from 3Dazzle Creations, Biss, EssBee Bath & Body, Holistic Life Community, Jennifer's Homemade Soaps, Kerry Kreations, Kittredge Candles, Mariela Mexico, Sasquatch Woodworks, Singing Brook Farms Flowers, Sun & Soul Candle, Vintage Vault, and Washington Beach Designs. Discover unique pieces that will adorn your life with beauty. Start your holiday shopping early!
Special Guests:
Engage with our special guests, including Balloons by Yarrow (Cash only), Beebe Popup Library, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, DCF, Wakefield Town Council, WMGLD.
Live Music to Brighten Your Day:
Enjoy the soulful tunes of Willie T & Dr.X as they create a musical ambiance that amplifies the joy and togetherness at the market.
Bike to the Market! WFM is now able to offer Bike Valet service to those traveling by bicycle to the market, thanks to Wakefield Safe Streets. They will also valet your stroller, It’s free, easy and safe.
Want to help? Go to the Get Involved/Volunteer page on our website or stop by the Market Manager table to learn how. We are always looking for setup and breakdown help and encourage kids that need volunteer hours to lend a hand. Many hands make a better market for all.
The market offers SNAP/EBT and will match SNAP purchases up to $15 per visit, so that everyone can afford to get fresh and healthy foods at our market. We could not provide this SNAP Match or its increase from $10, without the generous sponsorship of The Wakefield Food Pantry. Good news for SNAP folks: HIP is back! Use your EBT card to shop with Farmer Dave’s first, then get your additional SNAP bucks and match at the Market Manager Tent.
We look forward to another beautiful day at Hall Park, filled with the spirit of community and the love for all things local. Thank you for your continued support of the Wakefield Farmers Market, and we look forward to sharing another memorable market day with you.
We can't wait to see you there!
Important Parking Information:
In an effort to improve parking efficiency and ensure the safety and accessibility of the Wakefield Farmers Market, new parking rules have been implemented. These rules aim to address concerns regarding pedestrian safety, handicapped spaces, and convenient parking options for visitors. Below you will find an outline of the various parking locations available near the market, along with their respective distances and walking times.
Veterans Field Parking: Located between Veterans Field and the Market, the U-shaped lot provides parking options for market-goers. It is important to be mindful of pedestrians and respect the designated handicapped spaces in this area.
Lakeside Avenue: A parking lot on Lakeside Ave, situated 0.2 miles away from the market (approximately a 3-minute walk), offers several parking spaces for visitors' convenience.
Light Department Employee Lot: Also located 0.2 miles from the market (approximately a 3-minute walk), the Light Department employee lot is another viable parking option for market attendees.
Town Hall: The parking lot at Town Hall, situated at 1 Lafayette Street, is located 0.4 miles away from the market (approximately a 7-minute walk). Visitors are encouraged to utilize this parking area.
Common St: Common St provides four-hour customer parking spaces in addition to spaces in front of First Baptist and Artichokes. These parking options are situated 0.4 miles from the market (approximately a 7-minute walk) and offer convenient access to the market.
North Ave: On the business/residential side of North Ave, visitors can find parking spaces. It is important to adhere to parking restrictions, such as maintaining a safe distance from corners and respecting time limits. Parking on the railroad track side of North Ave may result in a bill from the T, as those spaces are not owned by the town. This area is located 0.4 miles from the market, an approximate 8-minute walk from Albion St.
Near the Bandstand: Parking spaces are available along the common near the bandstand, situated 0.5 miles away from the market (approximately an 8-minute walk).
The Town of Wakefield and Wakefield Farmers Market have implemented new parking rules to enhance parking options and ensure the safety and accessibility of the market for all visitors. By familiarizing yourself with these parking locations and following the guidelines provided, you can have a pleasant experience at the market. Please note that all times and distances mentioned are approximate.