By James Ensor
Hometown Weekly Reporter
On a characteristically hot Tuesday, July 26, those in a rush may not have noticed the Westwood Farmers Market taking place. Tucked in the St Margaret’s Parish parking lot, the Market was a tribute to locally grown food in a region largely dominated by convenient and air-conditioned supermarkets. The small market, however, featured both family and vendors in high spirits and eager to support local farms.
As the heat beat down, shoppers remained enthusiastic about the wares that a handful of vendors were offering under the shade of tents. From farm-grown vegetables hailing from Dover, Westwood and Fall River to seafood driven in from a van, this unique event allowed patrons an opportunity to embrace the food produced by their peers within the community.
“I like seeing my kids pick out fresh bread and vegetables,” said a local mother. “It lets them understand that food doesn’t only come from supermarkets, but is grown and cared for by people around here.”
Conveniently located right off of Route 109 on 845 High St., neither vendors nor customers had any difficulties locating the venue that played host to their myriad wares from 1 - 6 p.m. Once there, an attendee can feel removed from typical suburban life, shielded by the shade of St Margaret’s Parish to enjoy the wooded view behind the market itself.
The Town of Westwood can take pride in all the freshly baked bread, welsh cakes, jams, jellies, produce and more that are promised to keep coming throughout the summer every Tuesday until October 14.
“Sitting in the shade, selling farm-grown food to families in my community,” a college-aged man behind one of the counters said, “is a pretty decent way to spend a hot summer afternoon.”
Organized by an official with the Town of Westwood who only had to stop by at the beginning of the day to make sure set-up was going smoothly, the event essentially ran itself. Young families made up the core of the constituents, doubtlessly because this is an excellent opportunity for children and parents alike to get out of the house to learn more about where their produce comes from and the people who grow it.
Customers and vendors chatted amicably, both groups eager to learn from one another.
Boasting a 5-star rating on the ‘Westwood – MA Farmer’s Market’ Facebook page, this popular event for the community is sure to continue to thrive.
