FILE PHOTO
Baywater Farms produce was among the many offerings available last year at the Berlin Farmers Market. The market will reopen on May 5 in a new location, downtown.

By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer

(May 2, 2019) Residents and visitors can get fresh produce and baked goods this summer at the Berlin Farmers Market, which will begin its second season Sunday morning.

The market will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Pitts Street in the Calvin B. Taylor Bank lot behind J&M Meat Market every Sunday May through September, said Ivy Wells, Berlin economic and community development director. Wells also said Pitts Street would be closed to traffic.

About 20 twenty vendors are expected each week, selling vegetables, fruits, meat, seafood, baked goods, and flowers, she said.

Wells emphasized how the farmers market — and its local products — are part is of the town’s charm.

“It tastes better, its better for you and we support each other here,” Wells said. “I think that a farmers market is essential to build community.”

Farmers markets have been in Berlin for the past several years, although their leadership and locations have changed hands a couple of times. At one point, it was in the parking lot near Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services, and then in parking lot next to the Berlin Fire Company, until what Wells said was a lack of participation led to its demise.

Wells, however, believed the market had a place in town.

“I could not see Berlin without a farmers market,” she said.

Wells said Calvin B. Taylor Bank President Raymond Thompson permitted the town to use its lot for free, and the bank is sponsoring the farmer’s market, which moved from Artisan’s Way.

“There was a substantial rental fee that we had to pay [property owners] Bay Four LLC. and the Mariner family to rent that property,” Wells said in a March interview. “With everything going on with the budget right now, we’re trying to cut back on expenditures.”

Wells also said the market would happen rain or shine, although as of Wednesday morning, the forecast calls for a high of 68 degrees, with a 90 percent chance of thunderstorms on Sunday, according to weather.com.

Wells said many patrons could find parking in any of the lots, walk or ride their bikes, to the Pitts Street location.

Shoppers also can take advantage of live music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. free kids crafts and a petting zoo. Participants will also be eligible to participate in a raffle.

For more information on the farmer’s market, visit “The Berlin Farmers Market” page on Facebook, or www.BerlinMainStreet.com/farmersmarket.