WILMINGTON, MA — At Monday night’s meeting, the Board of Selectmen received an update on the Wilmington Farmers Market’s successful sixth season.
“The return of market manager Amanda Munsie has been instrumental in bring a whole new vibe to the market — a lot of new vendors, a lot of excitement, and a lot of foot traffic,” said Farmers Market board member Cathy Ober, who also pointed to the creation of the Farmers Market’s new website as a highlight from the past season.
Ober touched on how the Market helped coordinate a cornhole tournament fundraiser for a local boy, hosted Animal Control Officer Christopher Sullivan to discuss the new dog park, and implemented a “bell ringer program” where a different community member or organization would recognized and ring the market’s opening bell.
Ober thanked the high school volunteers who assist the market in set-up and break-down tasks before and after each opening. Ober also noted that a middle school student, who volunteers at WCTV, is in the process of creating a documentary about the market.
Market Manager Amanda Munsie discussed the market’s new and returning vendors. Munsie mentioned that three of the food vendors were from Wilmington — Maple Pot Honey Farm, Seafood Express, and KG Creations.
“One of our signature sayings is ‘growing a healthy community’ so we wanted to have as many community groups come to the market as possible,” added Munsie. In all, approximately 20 community groups were provided free space during the season to fundraise, promote upcoming events, and recruit new members.
“I believe, each year, your market gets better and better,” said Selectwoman Judy O’Connell. “I also want to commend you for your community engagement. You give a lot of community groups in town an opportunity to shine, prominently displayed at the Swain. Your providing a service not only with the local produce, but also by giving our organizations an opportunity to grow and evolve as well.”
In response to a question from O’Connell, Munsie and Ober said the Market is happy in its current location at the Swain, but would be willing to look at other sites, like Yentile Farm, if the need arose in the future
“Thank you for everything you guys do. It’s been a great addition to the town for the past 6 years and I look forward to the next 6 years,” remarked Selectman Greg Bendel. “Thank you for helping Wilmington grow a healthy community.”
“It’s a tremendous success. Keep expanding it and growing it,” praised Selectman Kevin Caira.
“Thanks to all who have kept the Farmers Market open,” added Selectman Mike Champoux. “It has clearly shown itself to be viable and an important part of the fabric of our community during [the summer and early fall].”
Market organizers have already begun planning for next summer’s Season 7. Organizers are also researching the feasibility of a winter market to launch not this winter, but the following winter.
Watch the video, courtesy of Wilmington Community Television, below at the 1:55-mark:
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