This is the 35th year of the West Tisbury Farmers' Market, a cooperative organization selling only fresh Island-grown product. Traditionally, it is held from the second Saturday in June through the holiday weekend in October, with additional Wednesday markets during July and August.
Linda Alley, who co-manages Farmers' Market with Debbie Koines, will again be offering her homemade jams and specialties. File photo by Jon Ollwerther
The first year, vendors set up their booths across the front of the Grange Hall with a few booths extended along the right side. But as the years progressed and the vendors increased, the Farmers' Market extended up and down the right side of the entire building in two lanes with a walkway between.
We have had some changes along the way. We used to have new members who joined with Island-grown products from the ocean, such as lobster rolls and smoked bluefish. But then the board of health rules became stricter, and food from the ocean was prohibited, even though it was stored in coolers and doled out individually. The fish vendors had to drop out.
Tess Finnigan made irresistible bouquets with colorful flowers. File photo by Mae Deary
In another instance there were cute little puppies shown in a large open-air cage. Some were sold, but when the others grew to an unmanageable size that vendor had to drop out also.
We take pride in our market, and this spring Debbie Koines and Linda Alley, our co-managers, attended an off-Island three-day New England Harvest Conference and Trade Show where they met with market managers from all over New England to discover new possibilities and ideas. They learned that there is a new and popular trend to have once-a-month winter farmers markets that run from November through March with available items. They also found that it is possible to include fish. These are things we'll think about doing.
But starting this weekend, we'll have vendors who include Debbie Farber, Caitlin Jones and Allan Healy, and Rebecca Miller bringing their fresh farm vegetables, herbs, salad greens, salsa, mustards and such things as pesto. I can't forget the young people who grow and raise the tasty vegetables, herbs and meat.
Many gorgeous flower arrangements will temp customers who are looking for centerpieces. Beside the regular colorful flowers, Wendy Oliver will sell her beautiful orchids. I watch her many customers holding her colorful blooms as they stroll by the booth where my husband, Ralph, and I sell our and homemade jams.
Andrea Rogers will once again sell herbal strawflowers such as lavender and rose petals. She also makes corn brooms, great for sweeping a fireplace hearth.
If you have a sweet tooth, a delectable homemade fudge and penuche made by Kathleen Crowley will be offered with or without nuts - an excellent gift for a visit to a friend.
Then there's the unique Seastone Papers, Sandy Bernat's Island handmade papers made from tree-free fibers in many forms and color combinations.
Among others at the market will be: Neil Flynn of Katama Honey, Robert Laskowski with his dusting powders, lip salves, and muscle and arthritis salves, Barbara Ronchetti with her alpacas creating delighted interest from children and adults, and all the regular commercial farmers with their tomatoes, corn in season, and numerous quantities of vegetables.
We have lost the playground area because of the construction at the West Tisbury Town Hall. But picnic benches will be set up near musician Kevin Keady's performance area during the Saturday market. His singing can be enjoyed by the customers between their perusal of the various booths, or while they sip their coffee, lemonade, or maybe enjoy one of Khen Tran's wonderful spring rolls. This will give people an opportunity to chat with the friends and acquaintances they haven't seen all winter as they promenade along the rows of booths.
Because they bring with them something unique, we've added new offerings: Laura Barbera's flavored olive oils, Susan Gibbs's yarn and wool from Island sheep, and Jo Maxwell's sauces and vinaigrettes - an adventure for a salad.
New this year, the vendors can choose to sell T-shirts with their farm or business logos. Another addition is an ATM machine installed in the Grange.
Finally, the Farmers' Market board is actively working with the West Tisbury Board of Health, local fishermen and shell fishermen who have shown an interest in being part of the market to trying to include the fishing industry.
We have many more vendors selling baked goods, prepared food and produce, and we are all looking forward to this weekend, and the first 2009 West Tisbury Farmers' Market. Hope to see you there.
West Tisbury Farmers' Market opens this Saturday, 9 am to 12 noon, on the grounds of the Grange Hall. Free. Ample parking.
Ethel Sherman began working at Farmers' Market in 1989, after she and Ralph retired from managing SBS Feed and Grain store in Vineyard Haven. In 2003, Ms. Sherman wrote, "West Tisbury Farmers Market: Behind the Scenes" (Martha's Vineyard Printing).
