BRATTLEBORO — The Brattleboro Area Farmers' Market (BAFM), the region's largest and oldest open-air market, is preparing for its season opening on Saturday, May 2, at 9 a.m.
The 2015 season kicks off with local musician Andy Davis hosting a traditional Maypole dance from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This year at the market, BAFM welcomes a number of new vendors, including mushroom producers, and makers of jewelry, ceramics, and fermented foods. The market's more than 50 vendors reside and produce their goods in Windham and Cheshire counties, and are selected for their attention to local, sustainable production and quality craftsmanship.
BAFM continues work on its redevelopment project at the former Planet Gas site, which the organization acquired in 2014. The project was made possible by a large number of grants and donations from community members, as well as grants from the Windham Regional Commission's Brownfields Program, USDA Rural Development, and Vermont Working Lands Enterprise, and with assistance from the Vermont Land Trust.
“We are working hard to get the former Planet Gas site cleared and redeveloped in accordance with Brownfield's environmental standards,” said board chair Kate Dodge in a news release. “In the end, we will have cleared the eyesores, protected the groundwater resources, and re-paved and replanted a more beautiful area for market customers and neighbors to enjoy.”
The Saturday market is located on Route 9 and runs for 26 consecutive weeks, May 2 through Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. The midweek market will be offered on Tuesdays this year and will run from June 16 through Oct. 27 on the Whetstone Pathway near the Brattleboro Food Co-op. EBT and debit cards are welcome.