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Marblehead Current Wednesday, May 24, 2023 A3
SIGN OF THE SEASON
Farmers’ Market launching season with new offerings BY LEIGH BLANDER The Marblehead Farmers’ Market launches its 26th season on Saturday, May 27. The popular market runs every Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, through November 18. The market attracts up to 900 people a week. “It’s a great place to get outside and just enjoy the day on a Saturday morning,” said Stephen Fowler, who manages the market. “We honestly have people who come to the market not even to shop but to socialize. Then we have serious shoppers who try to supply their whole week.” This season, the Farmers’ Market will feature 20 farms and food vendors, with about three craft vendors each week. Of course, the Scouts will be there selling coffee and musical acts will entertain the crowds. “We have a lot of performers that come back every year. It’s hard to get a spot as a new performer because there are so many returning performers. We have a range of folk and rock. It’s a pretty wide array.” (Music begins June 3.) So, what’s new this year? “We have a new baker, Janet’s Cookies. She’s a smaller, homebased baker from Rockport,” Fowler said. “We also have Olive World, with imported olives, olive oils, tapenades.”
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Come check out the strawberries when the Farmers’ Market reopens May 27.
Most favorite farms and vendors are returning, with a couple of exceptions. “Cider Hill is not returning,” Fowler said. After COVID, the popular Amesbury farm decided not to travel. Gibney Gardens is not coming back and Iron Ox Farm is taking the year off. Here are some of the farms and vendors expected on opening day: Bear Hill Farm, Grant Family Farm, Grant Farm, Brookford Farm, Middle Earth Farm, Cloutman Farms, A & J King, Bucovina Cuisines, Copper Dog Books, Janet’s Cookies, Seafood Express, Valicenti Organico and Crepe du Jour. The Farmers’ Market is located behind the Veterans School on Pleasant Street. Learn more at marbleheadfm.com.
The Marblehead Farmers’ Market returns May 27
. CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER
A range of folk and rock performers take the mic at the Farmers’ Market each week.
JUNE IS PRIDE MONTH
Town to celebrate pride with art, flag raising, tea dance
Families celebrate at the Pride flag raising in 2022.
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To kick off Pride Month in June, Marblehead businesses Creative Spirit and MacRae’s Sustainable Goods will host a public reception on Friday, June 2, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., for the opening of their next non-juried art exhibit, “Love Wins.” The reception will be held at MacRae’s Sustainable Goods,108 Washington St. Learn more and register artwork at creativespiritma.com. On Saturday, June 3, at 3 p.m., the town of Marblehead will celebrate Pride Month with its fifth annual flag raising
ceremony on the lawn of Abbot Hall. The ceremony is produced by a small, grass-roots committee of local volunteers and the town. The event is open to the public and will feature speakers including town officials, clergy, youth and members of Marblehead’s LGBTQ+ community. The ceremony is supported by North Shore Pride (northshorepride.org). On Sunday June 4, starting at 4 p.m., The Beacon Restaurant and Bar, 123 Pleasant St., will host its second annual Marblehead Pride
Party, in the style of a tea dance. Festivities will include hors d’oeuvres and sweets, a disco DJ and dancing. Learn more at thebeaconmarblehead.com. “This year’s Marblehead pride theme is ‘Joy in Community,’ inviting people to consider what creates a safe, free and kind place to live, work, create and relate as a society of unique and diverse individuals,” said local artist and Creative Spirit owner Peyton Pugmire. “This theme also reminds us that when we are joyfully ourselves, we inspire others to be the same.”
Bike bus From P. A1
first-grader Griffin Cohn added, “I like to bike with my friends.” Parents are definitely on board, too. “West Shore traffic is horrible,” said Coralie Osborne, Sadie’s mom. “We get to school faster this way, and it’s more environmentally friendly. Everyone is happier.” Griffin’s mom, Lindsay Almeida, added, “It’s a great way for the kids to be independent. It feels super safe.” Fleming likes that his son, Charlie, 6, and other kids are learning how to ride safely. “Some of the roads around here are less hospitable than others,” he said. “Riding in the numbers we do makes it safer.” Liz Wells was riding with her three sons, ages 4, 7 and 8. “It’s a great way to start the day,” she said. “As a mother of three active boys, I like that this really gets their wiggles out.” This school year, the Marblehead Bike Bus ran in the fall and spring, but Fleming says it’s certainly possible to bike to school year-round with the right equipment. To learn more about the Marblehead Bike Bus, visit loom.ly/-QdDmUY to fill out an interest form.
BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW
Doug Park and his kids, Eleanor, 7, and Griffin, 5, join the Marblehead Bike Bus.
CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER
The Marblehead Bike Bus navigates a crosswalk on the way to school.