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By Stephen Press
Hometown Weekly Staff
Looking at the First Parish Unitarian Church and green, one could mistake it for a scene from a bygone era. Tables are set up with local produce and seafood. Residents amble along, perusing the wares and casually chatting with their neighbors. Vendors stand comfortably under their awnings, savoring the occasional fresh breezes that whip through the grounds. This is the Medfield Farmers' Market, and it's in full swing. The Market, run by the First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Medfield and now in its sixth year, has been feeding - not to mention thoroughly charming - all those who walk through since its inception.
Eve Potts, 87 and wonderfully spry, is in charge here, and she can't contain her enthusiasm as she inspects the grounds. "No one here is a hard sell," she smiles as she walks by one of the tables, "we have people come back every year. Our fish people come back every year. Our produce people come back."
It's easy to see why she's smiling, not to mention why her vendors keep coming back. Aside from Potts' infectious enthusiasm (which, in itself, is a notable draw), this wonderful little corner of Medfield seems a perfect venue to shop. Even the fresh berries under one vendor's tent - which shimmer like gemstones in the afternoon sun - manage to look that much more appetizing out in the open air.
Mrs. Potts takes a moment to extol the virtues of the Market. "I think it's all going full circle - having local things," she says, noting the freshness of the goods on display.
It's not just goods from the farm, though - the market is rounded off by non-profits (such as the Girl Scouts seeking school supply donations in front of the church steps), artists and other vendors, all thrown together in this unique corner of town.
The word "community" comes to mind, and it's one that Potts seems to relish even more than the Market itself. "To have everyone saying: 'Oh, it's nice to see you,'" she says, her voice modulating up an octave to indicate a quote from an old friend. "'Oh, Mrs. Potts, you're still here!'"
"The customers come back for our vendors every year," says Potts, stopping a moment to watch a vendor help carry groceries to a woman's car, "because we've built a reputation."
The Medfield Farmers' Market will be held today (and every summer Thursday) from 2:00 - 6:30 p.m. in front of the First Parish Unitarian Church.
