Selectmen Receive Update on Wilmington Farmers Market 2014 Season

At their Oct. 28 meeting, Wilmington Selectmen received an update from Wilmington Farmers Market President Dana Burnham on the market's 2013 season as well as some plans for next year's market.

Burnham told Selectmen she felt Wilmington residents were more aware of Wilmington Farmers Market this year.

"I think people are more aware of the market and see it more of a resource and are aware of it as a reoccurring event in the community," Burnham said.

More than 30 Wilmington organizations participated at the market's community table this year, according to Burnham.

Burnham also highlighted involvement of Wilmington teens at the market this year, volunteering to help with set up and break down, man tables at the market, take photos and perform live music.

"Another win for us this year was having around 12 kids through the high school help set up and break down," Burnham said. "We also had a kids table where we had activities or crafts with high school kids helping out for community service."

Selectman Michael Champoux said community involvement is what makes the farmers market a great resource for Wilmington.

"We can find produce and some of the other fresh things in a lot of different areas, but having the community involvement is what brings this all home," Champoux said.

Burnham said planning has already started for the 2014 Wilmington Farmers Market, with organizers looking to expand the program for next year.

"We'd plan to start in mid-June as we have the past two seasons and go into mid-October instead of September," Burnham said. 

Organizers had been weighing the possibility of hosting an indoor market during the winter months, but it's not in the cards for this year, according to Burnham.

"We're not ready for a winter market," Burnham said. "We're not at a winter market yet, but we do have farmers saying their growing season does go a few more weeks in the fall."

Selectmen Chairman Michael McCoy asked Burnham whether she would consider extending the hours of Wilmington Farmers Market each week based on the positive feedback the organization has received.

The market usually runs from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sundays. 

Burnham said she would take the suggestion back to the other organizers.

"We try to hit the people getting out of church on Sunday so any earlier on Sunday feels to early," Burnham said. "That last 45 minutes is much slower. I think no matter what the hours are the last half hour would be slower."