Here are 6 things to know about the market before this season kicks off:
1. EARLIER THAN EVER BEFORE
The market opens Saturday, May 6, the earliest start in its history, and runs each Saturday until and including Sept. 30. Hours are 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each week.
2. VENDORS SELL ONLY WHAT THEY CREATE
“The market has historically and remains to this day a ‘Make it, Bake it or Grow it’ market,” Cheryl Dole, of Hamilton, who started as market mananger in 2016, said. “All of our vendors follow this theme.”
3. NEW ITEMS ADDED THIS YEAR
Market Buddies returns for children’s activities, including painting, planting, tie-dye and making cotton candy. But this year’s market has new additions in store, including an increased amount of produce vendors, a community booth for non-profit civic organizations such as YWCA, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, plus a booth to highlight local business, Dole said.
Those interested in being involved in either booth may contact promotion coordinator Mary Donnell at Mabras.creations@gmail.com.
4. CONTESTS GALORE ARE IN STORE
The market is adding coloring contests for young children and three raffle drawings for Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day in addition to its weekly raffle. The Memorial Day Raffle will include items from most of the market’s vendors, including gift certificates.
5. TIME IS ARE RUNNING OUT TO BE A VENDOR
There are approximately 36 vendors signed up for 45 booths for this season with seven booths remaining, Dole said. New vendors or those with any other questions should write to Dole at hhfm2015@gmail.com.
6. THE MARKET CAN’T DO IT ALONE
Sponsors and donations are the sole means of support for Hamilton’s Historic Farmer’s Market and it is in need of both. New sponsors can contact sponsorship coordinator Doug Dole at dougdole@yahoo.com.
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