Downtown Northampton to host new farmer's market

By James Lowe

08/27/2008- The Republican

NORTHAMPTON - Starting Sept. 2, there's a new farmers market in town.

Called simply Tuesday Market, it will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday through Oct. 28 in the plaza between Thornes Marketplace and the E. John Gare municipal parking garage.

In addition to the standard fruit and vegetable fare, manager Ben James said Tuesday Market also will offer goat cheese, free-range eggs, grass-fed beef and lamb, flowers, honey, sheepskins and artisan bread.

James said Tuesday Market will feature the wares of seven producers from around the Pioneer Valley, as well as local musicians to provide ambience.

"Given it's only seven vendors, it's pretty diverse," he said.

James recently opened one of the vendors, Town Farm on Ventures Field Road, with his wife, Oona Coy. He said Tuesday Market's timing and location should prove convenient for people who can't make it to the well-established Northampton Farmers Market, held Saturday mornings on Gothic Street - or people who use up their weekend produce quickly.

James said he hopes to add eight more vendors to the roster when the market resumes in May 2009.

Rick Tracy, president of the Northampton Farmers Market, said Tuesday Market could prove beneficial not just for customers but also for growers around the region.

"There's a lot of weekend markets around," said Tracy, who also manages the Tuesday afternoon bazaar at Union Plaza in Easthampton. "Finding a good early-week market can be an issue."

James F. Lowe can be reached at jlowe@gazettenet.com.