Salem Farmer's Market

The Salem Farmer's Market kicked off its 2009 season - the first of what we all hope is a grand annual tradition! It was awesome. I know how hard Salem Main Streets and the Farmer's Market committee has been working to pull this together, and they did a tremendous job.

Hats off to Mother Nature for giving us a break in the clouds for the market! Moods were high, sales were strong, and the place was packed. When Mayor Driscoll rang the market bell at 4:00 PM Sharp, I was standing next to the Gibney Gardens table where stacks of monkey bread stood ready to sell, and sell they did! About 6 loaves flew from the table with magical speed. It was quite something.

I took a few pictures of the market - which will be every Thursday through the end of October, 4pm - 7pm. More than 100 downtown businesses are staying open late on Thursdays, too, so make sure to allow time to shop or grab a bite to eat before or after the market.

Chef Tony Bettencourt from Sixty2 on Wharf did a cooking demonstration, preparing Gnocchi (with Risotto, I think?). There was music, and vendors were selling everything from strawberries to hanging plants, soaps, lobsters, fish, cookies (really good cookies!), zucchini, lettuce.

Next week we'll see peas, as well as more lettuce. I'll find out what else we can expect (more monkey bread!!) and post it on Wednesday.

Hope to see you next Thursday!!