Published for The Somerville Times May 29 2019 Issue
Link to story: http://www.thesomervilletimes.com/archives/91737#more-91737
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Every Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Union Square Plaza, Union Square Farmers Market serves the local community fresh local food and products for the summer from May 18 – November 23, rain or shine.
The market is in a separate area aligned with trees, and tents with friendly vendors selling everything from produce, plants, to authentic Lebanese hummus, to smoked fish, cider, and more. Under the sun, parents push their strollers, and people walk their dogs, while shopping and listening to live music.
“It’s really one of the best farmer’s markets in all of greater Boston,” said Stephen Gillies. Every Saturday morning, Gillies walks over from Cambridge with his friend Sujata Whaley, where they grab a cup of coffee or pastry, then walk over to the market together. They buy everything there: vegetables, bread, cider, and sometimes meat.
Luke Mahoney, owner of Brookford Farm, serves the market fresh vegetables, dairy products, and meat for five years. He said the market changed their financial life and he loves working there. “I just love the people. I love Somerville. I feel welcomed and I feel like they appreciate what I do and do it by buying stuff from us,” Mahoney said.
Union Square Farmers Market supports small, local businesses, such as Bauman’s Best Botanicals. The company is run by Adam Bauman and his wife. They sell natural vinegars for digestion, salad dressings, cocktail mixers, and more for three years. Bauman wears a shrub hat on his head while he sells to customer.
“[The market]’s organized well. The community is very, very friendly. I like that everyone brings their own bag. It’s a good place to do business,” he said.
When Camiller Charlier was asked what brings her to the market she said, “the sunshine, the delicious fresh produce, and friendly people carrying plants around.”
The local is a generally introverted person, but she finds herself feel really welcomed at the market when she sees shoppers excited about plants and “nerdy, sweet things” like she does.
Charlier bought three different colored violets, oregano, rosemary, and sage plants that smell amazing. Union Square Farmers Market is where she usually buys her plants.
“Just having people in public spaces, interacting with each other, and meeting strangers, and striking up conversations, you don’t see that happen in other spaces,” Charlier said. “Specifically having spaces for people to meet and mingle is really sweet.”
Davis Square Farmers Market on the corner of Herbert St and Day St, sell fresh fruit, vegetables, and baked goods every Wednesday from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. The market is open from May 15 – November 27, rain or shine, holiday or not.
Bow Market located at 1 Bow Market Way, is an innovative new public courtyard market that sells independent food, art, and retail shops. The next Bow Market Fridays is on May 31 from 12:00 to 11:59 p.m. The inaugural Oysterfest, a celebration of the finest local oyster farms, will be held on June 9 12-6 p.m. Oysters like Wellfleet, Island Creek, Pleasnt Bay, Katama Bay, and Old Cove costs $2 each.
The Somerville Mobile Farmers Market opens every Friday and Saturday from July 12 to October 19. The market sells fresh local produce and offers an unlimited 50% discount for North Street or Mystic Housing, or showing SNAP, WIC, or Senior Farmers’ Market Coupons.