By Grace Allen

Norfolk Farmers Market is set to open its 2022 season on June 8 and will be held every Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m. on the town’s common, weather permitting, 

The market will offer fresh produce, locally raised meats, cut flowers, specialty baked goods, handmade crafts, and more. The market will run through September 28.

Farms include Zeigler’s Market Garden in Norfolk, which grows organic vegetables; Elmhurst Farm in Norfolk, a producer of eggs, pork, beef, and chicken; and Fairmount Fruit Farm in Franklin, growers of seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Other local vendors participating this season are MAY Hosta Collection, Sweet Honey Treats, Medway Community Farm, A Cookie Guy, Gabby Bears Creation, Pure Haven, Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski, NEC Solar, Heirloom Café, Art Cronin’s Cut Flowers, and Fat Bottomed Bees Honey. 

The grassroots Norfolk Farmers Market was established in 2016, and except for a brief hiatus due to COVID, has operated each summer since.

“We have built a great community of vendors and regular weekly customers,” said Zach Ziegler, the market coordinator. “It has been amazing to see the interest in buying local and connecting with the area’s farmers, bakers, and unique makers.”

One of the market’s goals is to provide fresh food for all income levels. Ziegler’s Market Garden participates in the Massachusetts Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which provides coupons to eligible seniors and families to purchase vegetables and fruits grown and sold by local farmers at farmers markets. Medway Community Farm, which will attend the farmers market every other week, accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/EBT cards. 

The typical spring weather this year means the produce is looking good, noted Ziegler.

“The fields are filling up fast and we will have lots of fresh veggies like lettuce, radishes, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash and eggplants ready soon for the market,” he said. 

Each season, a couple of local musical acts perform at the market, and there is always entertainment like cornhole and other games for children. When the weather warms up, Norfolk-based C & C Ice Cream Truck will visit, too. The goal, according to Ziegler, is to provide a place of social gathering and community activity, in addition to providing access to fresh, local food.

“My favorite aspect of the market is catching up with friends and neighbors each week during the summer, while also being able to pick up great local ingredients for a home-cooked meal,” said Ziegler. “This usually includes a nice steak from Elmhurst Farm, our own salad greens, and fresh fruit or corn from Fairmount Fruit farm. We usually pick up something sweet from one of the many small bakers at the market, because we can’t just eat vegetables all the time!”

Ziegler pointed out that the farmers market is indebted to local officials and the Norfolk Public Library for their support, as well as to the Norfolk DPW for maintaining the town’s common, helping to provide a pleasant spot to hold the market each summer. 

“The market provides an outlet for local farmers, producers, artists, and entrepreneurs to offer fresh agricultural products and locally made goods,” Ziegler said. “Our goal is to bring awareness and education about local agriculture and local business while creating a fun and welcoming gathering space for the community each week. It’s a relaxed shopping experience where you can visit your local farmers, support small businesses, and get out to meet all the great people who make Norfolk such a nice place to live.”

The Norfolk Farmers Market is still accepting new vendors. Participation can be weekly, bi-weekly, or for a few select dates only. For more information, email [email protected]. Follow the market on Facebook for updates and weather-related closures.