More Than a Market: A Thank You to the Wakefield Community
The final market of the summer season is always a little bittersweet. Of course, having Halloween fall on our last Saturday made it all the more fun, with costumes on everyone from adults and children to our four-legged friends! A huge thank you to everyone who came out and helped us end the season on such a wonderful note. Before we dive headfirst into holiday market mode, tinsel, turkeys, and all, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the past 20 weeks and say two very important words.
Thank you, Wakefield.
To Our Customers
Thank you for showing up every Saturday, through the heat, wind, mist, rain, and everything in between, to support our local farms, small food businesses, artisans, nonprofits, musicians, and more. Thank you for making the Wakefield Farmers Market part of your weekly routine. For stopping by the market tent just to say hello. For bringing your children, friends, family, and furry companions to spend a Saturday morning with us. Thank you for slowing down, spreading out a blanket, listening to the music, enjoying the view of Lake Quannapowitt, and making the market a place to gather rather than simply a place to shop.
To Our Vendors
Running a farm or small business isn't easy. It's a 24/7 commitment filled with early mornings, long days, countless hours of preparation, and the hope that someone will choose your product, your hard work, and your dream. Thank you for showing up every Saturday with a smile, ready to share what you've worked so hard to create. And thank you for being part of something bigger than your own business. With more than 80 vendors participating throughout the season, you've helped create a community of farmers, makers, and entrepreneurs who support not only their own dreams but one another's.
To Our Musicians, Artists, and Entertainers
In a world that's becoming increasingly digital, there's something incredibly special about experiencing art and creativity in person. Whether it's a child's first balloon animal, a beautifully painted face that makes them feel like they can be anyone they want to be, or a musician sharing a song written after a broken heart, art has a way of connecting us. It encourages us to feel, understand, learn, and see the world through someone else's eyes. Thank you for sharing your creativity, your talents, and your stories with our community. You bring so much joy to our Saturday mornings.
To Our Staff, Volunteers, and Board
Running a farmers market every Saturday for 20 weeks doesn't just happen. It takes a village. From early morning setups and helping vendors unload to assisting customers at the SNAP table, coordinating behind the scenes, and staying until the very last tent is packed away, there are countless moving parts that make this market possible. To show up week after week with enthusiasm, kindness, patience, and a willingness to lend a hand is something truly special. Thank you for everything you do, both seen and unseen, to make the Wakefield Farmers Market such a wonderful place to be.
A Personal Note from the Market Manager
When I write these weekly blogs and newspaper articles, I always use the word "we." Because the truth is, this market has never been about one person. It takes a village, a team, and an entire community to make it what it is. But for just a moment, I'd like to speak personally. I've been involved with the Wakefield Farmers Market for several years now, first as a vendor, then as Assistant Market Manager, and this year, stepping into the role of Market Manager. I'll admit, there were moments this season when I felt like I was steering a ship through uncharted waters. Between construction, spotty cellular service, unpredictable weather, and the occasional unexpected challenge, there was certainly no shortage of learning experiences. But through it all, I've been reminded time and time again of just how special this market and its community truly are. This morning, I received not one, but several emails from market goers and vendors sharing how much they loved the market this season. While they mentioned everything from the fresh produce to the handmade products, what stood out to me most was that what they loved most about the market this year was that it felt like family.
That's what it's all about. Of course, we want people to get excited about finding the most beautiful heirloom tomato, discovering a new local business, or bringing home something delicious for dinner. We love seeing families spread out blankets by the lake, children dancing to live music, and friends running into one another between market tents. Beyond all of that, we want to create a place where people feel connected. Where relationships are built, friendships are formed, and everyone feels welcome, no matter where they come from.
A place where a Saturday morning trip to the farmers market becomes something you look forward to all week.
More than a place to shop. A place to belong.
So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who helped make this season what it was. Thank you for your kindness, patience, support, and for making my first year as Market Manager such a memorable one.
Thank you for making the Wakefield Farmers Market feel a little less like a market and a little more like home.
We'll See You at the Holiday Market!
While our regular summer season has come to a close, we're not quite finished celebrating local food and community this year!
Join us for the Wakefield Farmers Market Thanksgiving Holiday Market on Saturday, November 21, from 10 AM to 1 PM at Galvin Middle School.
We'll be bringing together local farms, food producers, artisans, and makers to help you prepare for the holiday season while continuing to support the small businesses that make our community so special. Until then, thank you for an incredible season. We can't wait to see you again!
