Local farmers markets in full swing this summer

Farm To Table
Local farmers markets in full swing this summerMaggie Walton
News Staff Intern

Summer means peak season for much of the produce local to New England. Fresh, local and organic produce is everywhere - if you know where to look. In honor of the upcoming National Farmers Market Week (August second through eighth), here’s a compilation of where to find what’s growing.

Gardner: The Gardner market runs on Thursdays in Monument Park from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and features baked goods, spreads and vegetables from Log Cabin Orc­hards and flowers and lamb from Breezy Hill Farm. The market will be open until October 30th.

Athol: The Athol Farmers Market meets once a week on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the uptown commons. It features produce from a variety of vendors, including the nearby Farm School — who always bring a wide variety of green and other produce, including eggs and meat. The market runs from May to October, so there’s plenty of time to drop by.

Winchendon: The Winchendon Ma­rket settles into their new location on Central Street this summer, on the lawn in front of the U.U. Church. It keeps the same schedule however, and will pop up on Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. One of the vendors is Sunset View Farm, which can provide market goers with everything from squash to jams and jellies.

Westminster: One can find local me­ats, cheeses, vegetables and even entertainment at the Westminster market on Aca­demy Hill. It runs till the last week in Octo­ber on Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m.

Phillipston: On Saturdays from 8 am to 1 pm, the Phillipston market brings local vendors to the historical museum on State Road to sell their produce to the community.

The farmers markets in the areas are the perfect opportunity to not only pick up affordable, in season produce but also a great chance to meet neighboring farmers and support their business. Try one, or visit them all!