By Bella Caggiano

Last year marks the return of the Norwood Farmers Market after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Was the community ready to group together again? Could a weekly market successfully make it back into the homes and on the tables of Norwood neighbors? Yes, and yes! And this month, the Norwood Market will be back again, bigger and better!

“Last year’s market exceeded my expectations,” Norwood Farmers Market Chairman Peter McFarland said. “We are looking to increase the number of vendors and activities this year.”

The Norwood Farmers Market will again be open for 18 weeks this season, however, it will begin a month earlier due to July 4 falling on a Tuesday, and well, everyone knows what happens around Norwood on the 4th of July…..only room for one festival that day! It will run again on Tuesdays, June 13-Oct. 17, 2-6 p.m., Norwood Town Common.

Market patrons who visited last year will see many familiar faces and vendors in the 2023 season. McFarland still continues as Chairman and Michele Taranto will be present every Tuesday afternoon as the manager. The vendor lineup was still being finalized at press time, however, many vendors from last year were anxious to reserve their lawn spot this year, such as Jordan Seafood, Oakdale Farms, Tateo Organics, Morrill Memorial Library, and Wild Willys Sports Cards. The list is not complete and changes daily throughout the year! This season, however, is already scheduled with more activities, more special events, and a diverse assortment of vendors.

In addition to more vendors, special themed events will be held each month, such as Pet Day, Children’s Day, National Farmers Market Day, Return From Summer Relaxation, and Harvest Day to close out the season! Each week will bring new and exciting foods, textiles, goods, businesses, and nonprofits to the Norwood Common!

 The Norwood Farmer’s Market is a collaboration between the Norwood Sustainability Commission and the Friends of Norwood Center. Its original and primary initiative is to encourage people to eat healthy, buy locally, and build the local community. Credit to the market’s success is spread through many areas in addition to the volunteers, the two organizations and two market managers. Generous sponsorships will help make this year another success.

“We are very grateful for our sponsors and patrons would support the Farmers Market: DCD Automotive, Dedham Savings, Norwood Light and Broadband, Members Plus Credit Union, Rockland Trust, Susan Lewis, One Local Bank, Neponset River Region Chamber, and the Friends of Norwood Center,” McFarland said.

On the ground, the market would not thrive without the smooth flow of traffic, setup and breakdown assistance, and communication of the Norwood DPW, Norwood Town Hall, and especially the student volunteers.

The Norwood Farmers Market has developed not only as a destination to purchase fresh local produce and food, but with the Central Ave. picnic area, to enjoy and take in entertainment, music, demonstrations, eat, and participate in the fun, family activities on the Common!

“Having Central St. closed enhances the feel of the Common, not just for the Farmers Market but for the community,” McFarland said. “It’s not the cut-off island at the busiest intersection in town. You can go by the Common any time of day and see people enjoying it, I never saw that before in my 40 years in town.” 

It’s not too late for vendors, businesses, and nonprofit groups to join showcase and share their food, wares, creations, and information.  

Any interested vendors or organizations in participating in the Norwood Farmers Market can contact Committee Chair Peter McFarland, at 781-690-2714 or email at [email protected] for more information.

“We are always looking for local businesses and organizations who want to connect with people and share their product, service, or mission,” McFarland said.