(Chelsea Update would like to thank Stephanie Willette for the information in this story.)
The farmers markets are bringing some exciting new changes this season (and we’re not just talking about the newest veggie options).
We have extended our Saturday hours to 1 p.m. Markets will take place this season on Wednesdays from 2-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Palmer Lot on Main St in downtown Chelsea.
Opening day is Saturday April 30 (finish your Mother’s Day shopping) and Wednesday May 4. And, keep an eye out for our Market Kickoff dinner/fundraiser in April.
Community Supported Agriculture
Many of our vendors offer Community Supported Agriculture programs, or CSA’s. Customers pay up front at the beginning of the year to receive a weekly box full of a variety of products that are grown by the farmer. CSAs emphasize the community aspect of farming. There is a strong relationship between the farmer and the CSA members, who are closely involved in the process of producing their food.
Paying upfront allows the farmer to avoid going into debt, while the members gain a connection and familiarity with their food source. See below for CSA shares that you can pick up right here at the market in downtown Chelsea.
Saturdays
- Goetz Greenhouse – vegetables (www.sites.google.com/site/goetzgreenhouse/)
- Robin Hills Farm – vegetables (robinhillsfarm.com)
- Tantre Farm – vegetables (www.tantrefarm.com)
- Two Tracks Acres – chicken and pork (www.twotracksacres.com)
- Frog Hollar Farms – vegetables (www.froghollarfarms.com)
Wednesdays
- Family Circle Centennial Farm – vegetables (www.familycirclefarm.com)
- Marks Farm – vegetables (http://www.localharvest.org/marks-farms-greenhouse-M56134/csa)
- Needle Lane Farms – vegetables (www.needlelanefarms.com)
- Pregitzer Farm Market – vegetables (www.pregitzerfarmmarket.com/)
In addition, Chelsea Farmers Market is looking for volunteers to participate in our program planning committee. Help us organize activities and get involved in the community. Contact [email protected] if interested.
The farmers market is seeking community partners to participate on Wednesdays or Saturdays to help us build a community around health and wellness. Partner organizations will have your own tent and host an activity while educating customers about your organization. Preferably nonprofit, wellness or education based. Our goal is to create a fun, interactive atmosphere at the market to promote healthy lifestyles. Activities could include kids events, gardening, craft projects, education about eating.
We are also looking for organizations interested in co-sponsoring our “Eating in Season” festivals once a month. Your group would provide the volunteers and run the tent while serving an in season food that the market chooses to highlight – strawberries, pumpkins, corn, melons, or tomatoes.
Your group will get to keep the proceeds from the event and advertise your organization. The market will help with supplies and implementation. These festivals educate our community about eating seasonally, tasting the many varieties and flavors our vendors have to offer, and trying new recipes.
We look forward to seeing you in the spring.
