Farmer's Market

Just a few years ago, two residents of Forest Park, Belle Rita Novak and Michael Thomes, decided that it was time to bring a farmers' market to the "X." Others agreed, including The X Main Street Corporation who is the sponsor of the farmers' market along with the Forest Park Civic Association who provides a small financial contribution. Partial funding is also provided by the Commonwealth Department of Food & Agriculture.

At about the same time that Belle Rita and Michael were generating interest in a farmers' market, a deserted building was purchased by Goodwill and refurbished into an outstanding used clothing and other items shop. Goodwill saw the need for a farmers' market too and offered the use of its newly paved parking lot.

According to Belle Rita, the importance of farmers' markets should not be overlooked. These markets keep farmers doing what the country

needs, farming. They also provide fresh, and therefore, more nutritious food with less chemicals to city dwellers. An important side effect of all this is that the produce does not have to be wrapped or packaged, saving waste, an ecological benefit.

Every Tuesday the crowds gather to shop, talk and listen to free entertainment. It is a wonderful way for a neighborhood to get to know each other and buy some really fresh produce, meat, bread, and other items that make wonderful gifts.

As today at the "X," the farmers' market of yesterday was the best way for city dwellers to obtain fresh produce. Years ago some really enterprising people would fill a cart with fresh veggies or even fish or meat and hawk their wares down neighborhood streets. Anna remembers a horse drawn cart in New York that came by everyday with fresh produce. Find out more about the importance of farmer's market by visiting: History of one famous farmer's market.

Take a look at just some of the participants of the "X" Farmers' Market:
(By the way, it is called the "X" because that is the shape formed by the many roads coming together at a single intersection. In reality, it should be called the asterisk.)

	Mayou's Apiary You have to love a couple that hangs paper bees on the canopy and wear bee covered aprons. Owners Don & Claire make all their own products. 320 West Street Ludlow, MA 01056 413-583-6685
	Fini's Plant Farm Since 1929, the Fini family has supplied plants to almost all of New England. 413-786-1012 FAX 786-8847 1-800-342-2205 (MA, CT only)
	Outlook Farm Owners Brad and Erin Morse supply fresh veggies and meats. You have to get to this stand early, because everyone wants to buy something from them. 136 Main Road Rt. 66 Westhampton, MA 01027 413-529-9388
	Terra Americana Among other tasty items, Julie Cechini sells some really neat cookie kits. One of them requires no baking. Great for kids to play with and eventually eat. PO Box 642 Southwick, MA 01077 413-562-2042 FAX 562-8468 Email: terra-am@cape.com