The Yarmouth Farmer’s Market will kick off its new season earlier this year with more vendors at a new site about 100 yards east of where it has operated for the past six summers.
Contributed / Yarmouth Farmers Market
The market will open May 6 at the Bickford Pavilion at 1 Railroad Square.
Amy Sinclair, the market’s manager, cited off-street parking and shelter from the elements as reasons for the move from 317 Main Community Music Center.
“It’s really the perfect location,” said Tamson Bickford Hamrock, whose family built the pavilion as a place for community gathering.
317 Main will continue to schedule and oversee music at the market, which will operate on Thursdays from 3-6 p.m. through Oct. 28.
New vendors will include Counterpoint Bread, Marvelous Macarons, Mindful Folk Farm and Noisy Acres Farm. A food truck rotation will showcase The Greeks of Peaks, Mainely Meatballs, Roll Call, Lucky Lou’s, Boomin’ Burrito Bus and Iron Clad Eats.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new people, sharing about the life on our goat farm and providing customers with all-natural goat’s milk soap and delicious cheese,” said Sollie Leavitt of Noisy Acres Farm.
The market saw an increase in customer traffic last year, Sinclair said, as new patrons turned out to shop outdoors during the pandemic.
The market offers fresh produce, dairy, meat and prepared foods, and craft vendors provide a full market basket experience, Sinclair said.
A market program offers financially struggling Yarmouth residents one $15 market voucher per person. The vouchers will be available through Yarmouth schools and Yarmouth Community Food Pantry and the market’s information booth.
“This program benefits families who otherwise might not have come to the market as well as businesses who have seen an increase in sales due to the vouchers,” Sinclair said.
The Yarmouth market also participates in the Maine Federation of Farmer’s Markets’ Bumper Crop Program, through which companies give employees vouchers to shop at local farmers markets.
The market will adhere to COVID-19 protocols, Sinclair said, including a facial mask requirement and appropriate physical distancing. Hand sanitizer will be available for patrons. The use of credit cards rather than cash is encouraged for lower-contact encounters.
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