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Farmers’ market has new times and programs
By D.A. WILKINSON
SALEM
The Salem Farmers’ Market is back for a second year with new times and new programs.
The market will open at 8 a.m., one hour earlier than last year, and go to 1 p.m. Saturdays. The market will begin May 8 and run to the end of October.
The open-air market will be located between Troll’s Jewelry at 851 East State St. and MacMillan Office Supply, 553 E. State St.
It will provide local produce, herbs, homemade baked goods, flowers, and work from local artists.
Vendors aren’t charged for taking part.
Josh Furlong, who is one of the co-founders of the market along with Jonathan Hull, said that, in general, he is trying to “keep as local as possible and keep away from large companies,”
At stake, he said, is being able to grow truly fresh produce rather than buying food that has been trucked in from long distance.
On opening day, Mike Hoover from Five Acres Gardens of Salem will present a seminar to advise people on how to get a garden going. He will speak on seedlings, hanging flower baskets, seed racks and flowers. Hoover said that he plans to be selling at the market every Saturday.
Furlong said that it’s easy for people to set up a vegetable patch at home.
Furlong said there also will be information about composting. Some people move the decomposing material through three bins on its way to enriching gardens, while others use just one bin.
“Each person has their own way,” Furlong said.