Farmers' Market Opens Saturday

Pasta and tomato sauce, black radishes, fresh baked bread and salsa. These are just some of the choices you will have at this weekend's opening of the Marblehead Farmers' Market.

Organizers Gene Jacobi and Don Morgan have been busy at work preparing for the 13th year of the market, which will open with a ring of the cow bell at 9 a.m. Saturday behind the middle school.

"This is a way to support farmers and create a community center on a Saturday morning," Jacobi said.  "I'm aware of the plight of the farmer and giving them foot traffic helps."

One of the first markets on the North Shore, the market has expanded over the years to include a partnership with Whole Foods Market and the addition of  live entertainment and craft vendors each week.

"The nice thing is the families; a lot of young kids come," Jacobi said. "People enjoy it here and we hardly ever lose our volunteers. It's a friendly atmosphere."

Jacobi and Morgan have around 25 volunteers in all who help set up, break down and man the coffee tent during the market. 

On average, a typical Saturday market draws between 1,200 and 1,400 people, Jacobi said.

"This started as much about the environment and preserving open space than anything else," Morgan, an engineer, said. Morgan was intrigued by the idea after attending a farmers' market in Ithaca, N.Y.  "But as time went on, it built into this big event in town. People enjoy that it's rated G and it's also good for them."

For Jacobi, it's a chance to integrate a town common feel into Marblehead.

"People were really looking for this," he said.  "It's a chance to see people outside your inner circle of friends and catch up."

New This Year

This year, Morgan spent his off-season looking for new and creative vendors to bring to the market. Keeping a strict rule that everything has to be homemade, Morgan looks far and wide for vendors who will draw a crowd.

Among the new vendors this year are Open Meadows Meat and Honey Farm in Lunenburg, Gibney Farm in Danvers and Valley View Farm in Topsfield will bring its goat cheese .

The old favorites, such as Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury and Bear Hill Farm in Tyngsboro, will also return. 

On July 24, the local Community Supported Fishery will host a "Seafood Throwdown" at the market. Two local chefs will be given a type of fish moments before they are asked to prepare it. Market goers will vote on their favorite, much like the popular Food Network Show, "Throwdown With Bobby Flay." 

Morgan and Jacobi are also planning on opening an extra Saturday after the market closes in October to accommodate Thanksgiving shoppers.

The Saturday before the holiday, the market will be revived to sell seasonal produce and homemade pies. 

More About The Market

The market runs each Saturday 9 a.m. to noon rain or shine from this Saturday until Oct. 23. The market is held at the Veterans Middle School (take Vine Street to access). An additional Saturday will be held on Nov. 20.