Farmer's Market Hosts Free Table for Residents to Sell Produce

The has rolled out the welcome mat once again, this time for residents of Attleboro who wish to sell their garden overstock. 

Each week residents can bring their extra veggies and fruits from their garden to the Attleboro Farmer's Market to sell at a special area designated for residents.

Vendors are welcome to sell their surplus from their gardens, which ultimately helps the demand, at no charge, according to Attleboro Farmer's Market President, Heather Porreca. 

"We have two 8-foot tables under a tent that is specifically designated for Attleboro residents only who have surplus from their gardens," Porreca said. 

Last week a resident of Mortgage Hill in Attleboro sold out of his approximately 12 pounds of cherry tomatoes and sweet peppers less than two hours, according to Porreca. 

Selling out fast

The market's great success, since it opened July 2, has forced organizers to ask residents to sell their surplus. 

"The last time we counted we had more than 1,000 people come through the market," Porreca said. Customers are struggling because unless you get there early the products are gone."

Vendors are bringing capacity, according to organizers. In fact, Rehoboth farmer Bob Peasley sold out of 600 ears of corn in just the first two hours of last week's market. 

Organizers have had an average of 20 vendors at the market each week since July and continue to attract more. A total of 24 vendors are slated to sell their goods at the market, which is held each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the parking lot adjacent to the

"We have a new farmer from Bellingham coming in next week," Porreca said. "We strive to get local farmers, but our local farms are already committed to other markets on Saturday.

While there is no charge for individuals to sell their surplus, there are two things they need to do before bringing their goods to 74 North Main St. Residents need to contact organizers by Thursday so that there is enough room for all residents who wish to sell their goods. Organizers will also need to confirm that the products are locally grown. 

"We go and tour the farms to be sure that what they are growing is what they are bringing," Porreca said of vendors. 

On the Agenda

There are several events on the agenda for future markets including the creation of a recipe book. 

"We're asking Attleboro residents, who have a family recipe that uses fresh vegetables and fruits, to bring their recipe to the management table or email it via the website," Porreca said. The plan is to have the book ready by July 2012.  

Also on the agenda for the rest of the month is children's music in the park on August 20, Zumba on August 27.

Planned for September is a visit from Lester Esser, who will be conducting market tours and will present a cooking demonstration of paella with all the vegetables from the market.

Also in September is a the MYCHIP), sponsored by the Masonic Lodge in Attleboro. 

On the agenda for October is a cookbook signing by Poor Girl Gourmet Author, Amy McCoy and a pumpkin carving contest.