JOSH DAVIS/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
Toby Gilbert’s sourdough bread will feature at the new Berlin Farmer’s Market, debuting Sunday on Artisan’s Green. Gilbert, the owner of Gilbert’s Provisions in Berlin, will offer regular talks during the markets on subjects including baking and fermentation.

By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(June 14, 2018) Sunday will mark the debut of the new Berlin Farmer’s Market, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Artisan’s Green off Main Street behind Fins Ale House and Raw Bar.

Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells, who was responsible for organizing the revival, said Monday she was “extremely excited to bring the market back to downtown.”

“There are a couple of familiar farmers from the previous market, but most are new,” she said. “What was interesting was they reached out to me – they had heard about the new farmer’s market through word of mouth and wanted to get in on the ground floor, and they got their applications in almost immediately.”

The market was once held in the parking lot near what is now Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services, and more recently was based in the lot near the Berlin Fire Company. That was ended earlier this year.

“It was discontinued because it was … I think that there’s a lot of different reasons why,” Wells said. “I don’t really like to talk about why things happened in the past. I’m all about moving forward with the new, positive market.”

She said the market would be for “producer’s only.” No manufactured or prepackaged goods will be allowed. “I am not going to stray from that. If you’re a farmer – it’s a farmer’s market. It’s not a reseller’s market,” she said.

The new Berlin Farmer’s Market will include live music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., thanks to a grant Wells obtained from the Worcester County Arts Council. Each week at 11:30 a.m. Toby Gilbert of Gilbert’s provisions will “offer some enlightenment” on a variety of craft food-related topics, including fermentation, Wells said.

She added there would also be children’s activities, including “Story Time with Mother Goose,” at 10 a.m. each week.

“My excitement level is pretty high,” Wells said. “I haven’t been able to start many things here in downtown, but I have experience starting farmer’s markets and I believe in it personally and for the community.

“I think we have to have a farmer’s market, and I wanted it to be a place where people can catch up with their neighbors … and where you can get fresh things to eat that are actually grown here,” she added.

A public vote was held to decide on the date and time, which Wells said was “more than double” in favor of Sunday morning.

“I chose that date because that’s what the community wanted – this market is for the community,” she said. “I hope they come out and support it.”

For more information, call 410-629-1722 or visit www.facebook.com/theberlinfarmersmarket or www.BerlinMainStreet.com/farmersmarket.