By Michele Taranto

The country has been enjoyed getting back to normal communal activities this year and an exciting event is returning to Norwood this summer. After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Norwood Farmer’s Market is sprouting again! The Market will be held Tuesdays, June 21 through October 18, 2-6 p.m., on the Town Common. 

A few familiar vendors are already scheduled to serve Norwood residents, including Jordan Brothers Seafood, Oakdale Farms, and Hearth Artisans Bread. Confirmation from other vendors were still waiting to be confirmed at press time, however, there is still time for more companies and organizations to join. Local businesses, restaurants, and nonprofits are welcome to participate, and should contact Committee Chair Peter McFarland, at 781-690-2714 or email at [email protected] for more information.

“We still have seasonal, monthly, and non-weekly slots available,” McFarland said. “With your help we can get our market up and running strong!”

The relaunch of the Market, however, is not only intended as a destination to purchase fresh local produce and food, the Farmer’s Market committee envisions Tuesday afternoons on the Common as a summer venue with entertainment, music, demonstrations, or any other fun, family activities. This are also talks with the Morrill Memorial Library about the possibility of offering a “pop-up” library and informational programs as a resource for local residents.“It will be interesting to see how the Farmers Market works with Central St. closed between East Cottage and Nahatan Sts.,” McFarland said. “I think the Common has a new vibe and it’s not an island at the busiest intersection in Town.” 

The Norwood Farmer’s Market was resurrected as an initiative of the Norwood Sustainability Commission to encourage people to eat healthy, buy locally, and build the local community. With the formation of the Market committee, that idea was achieved through the generosity of a group of volunteers and local municipal employees: David Ruggerio, Bryan Dunn, Selectwoman Amanda Grow, Mary Pazniokas, McFarland, Joe Collins and Town of Norwood Budget Management Analyst Chris Welch.

A few sponsorships for funding of the Market have been secured with Dedham Savings Bank, Members Plus Credit Union, Commonwealth Fireplace, the Norwood Light Department, and vendor booth rentals, but other financial backing is still being finalized. Any companies or organizations willing to contribute to the event should contact McFarland. 

Although the Market is launching in just three weeks, there has been a lot of local news for residents to absorb this spring. Many have missed the opportunity to purchase fresh, local produce and food for the past two years, the return of the Norwood Farmer’s Market on the Town Common will not only satisfy that void but also reunites the community at Norwood’s ‘hub.” It will be a refreshing change, for the kitchen table and the soul