AMHERST — The Town Common will have vendors selling locally grown produce, cheese, cut flowers, herbs and prepared foods every Saturday. The Amherst Farmers’ Markett commenced its 50th season last week and will run Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through Nov. 20.
Market manager David Machowski said the market will be held every week, rain or shine, and though it is more work to set up on the common than in its previous space, the common gives the market a more agrarian feel.
About 36 vendors are signed up to participate.
“Most, if not all from last (year), and a handful of new members, have been accepted,” Machowski said.
As in 2020, when the market shifted to the large greenspace from the pavement of the Spring Street parking lot, vendors will continue to follow COVID-19 protocols. The safety measures include requiring face coverings, using one direction through the market and having plenty of room for patrons to social distance.
Vendors registered to participate during the course of the spring, summer and fall include Sunset Farm, Apex Orchards and Twin Oaks Farm, along with Bread Euphoria, Sam’s Wooden Bowls and Crooked Stick Pops.
The market is able to start on time this year with approval from the town, unlike last year when it was delayed until after Memorial Day.
Although the Town Common traditionally is used nearly weekly for events such as the Sustainability Festival, the Rotary Community Fair and the Taste of Amherst, all of those are expected to be canceled for a second year in a row due to the pandemic.
