By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

(Feb. 26, 2026) Kids of all ages will be allowed to participate in the Berlin Farmers Market this spring and summer via the town’s new project, The Berlin Mini Makers Market.

Every second Sunday from May through October, during the Berlin Farmers Market, kids aged 6 to 18 can sell their own fresh products. The youthful participants can set up booths as individuals, pairs, or small teams and offer shoppers homemade or handcrafted items such as art, crafts, and baked goods. The Worcester County Health Department must approve food items as shelf-stable. Homegrown produce, flowers, plants, or herbs grown by the kids are also permitted.

Resale items, pre-packaged commercial products, or items made primarily by adults will not be allowed.

A Facebook post by the Town of Berlin Main Streets & Arts and Entertainment Distri said, “Adult help is fine for setup and safety, but the kids must create and sell the product.”

A limited number of vendors will be accepted. Those interested in participating should email berlinmainstreet@gmail.com with what the student will be growing, creating, or cultivating.

Berlin Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said that as of early this week, program leaders had nearly 20 children sign up, and that they’re still reviewing applications.

She added that her team will determine the number of spots to be given to the “Mini Makers” based on available space in the market. Preference will be given to Town of Berlin residents.

“The Mini Makers will bring a fresh layer of creativity to the market,” Wells said.

Wells noted that the new Farmers Market addition was inspired by her witnessing kids setting up tables in front of their parents’ booths. She added that she was also getting inquiries from adults, asking whether their children could have stands of their own.

“That really sparked the idea,” she said. “I wanted to create something that teaches kids what it’s actually like to run a small business. Whether you’re a farmer growing products or a young entrepreneur creating something of your own, there’s much more involved than just making the item. There’s pricing, presentation, customer service, and responsibility. I wanted them to understand the business side of it.”

The Facebook post announcing the project added that the initiative strengthens Berlin’s “Buy Local” mission, encouraging residents and visitors to purchase goods and services created by the town’s very own craftspeople, farmers, bakers, and culinary artists.

“It encourages young farmers and entrepreneurs and gives the community a chance to support the next generation of small business owners,” Wells said.

The Berlin Farmers Market is slated for Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May through October.