Marshfield Farmers' Market

This is my final submission for “At the Market” as I bid a fond farewell to managing the Marshfield Farmers’ Market. “I am becoming a mom”, I have to say this out loud repeatedly, as I have not yet fully absorbed the notion. Everything is about to change as my main focus shifts to raising a toddler who is joining our family shortly.

I cannot satisfactorily perform both jobs the way I would like and still achieve sufficient nightly sleep. So it is bittersweet that I surrender one of my passions and welcome Stephen Herling to the Market Manager position. I’ll still help, but in the background.

Soon I’ll visit the market through the eyes of a three year old. Once the household has settled a bit and my produce is plentiful I’ll vend at the Market, sell my farm products, and probably be happily engaged in adult gardening conversation for a few consecutive hours (rather than a preschool level).

Currently life is a scramble of painting, planning, and purchasing necessities and fun things to help make a little one feel at home in a strange place. Marshfield artist Marcia Ballou’s original painting, called Summer Dreams from which my farm’s sign was made, with the bunny eating carrots and strawberries is wonderfully bright and colorful. It will be the cheerful centerpiece of the child’s room. We’ll have wooden toys from Papa Smith and goodies from other vendors. It will be cozy.

I feel I have lived my life out of order. Having a child after both a high power career and a few years of staying home and farming in nearly a semi-retirement mode is either brilliant or a bit crazy. My energy doesn’t compare to that of my 20’s or 30’s, however there will be no corporate career competing for my attention. Hopefully the child rearing experience will enliven me to feel youthful and see the world through the eyes of a growing child. I just pray this little one will enjoy learning about gardening, horses, nature, the wonderful foods we grow, and that occasionally I can sleep late.

Please introduce yourself to Stephen Herling in his new position as the manager. He has a passion for local food, enjoys writing as well as interacting with people. Herling has worked at farmers’ markets in the past and will bring fresh ideas to our town’s thriving market while maintaining its 10 year reputation as a friendly community gathering of vendors and a diverse selection of 100% local food and goods. Already Herling has added Instagram to our social media suite; you can get Market updates there as well as Facebook and Twitter, all carry the call sign @MarsfhieldFM. He will also take over this column.

This Friday a new vendor joins the family. Dolce Vita Cupcakes is a Marshfield High culinary student and daughter of popular vendor Flapdoodle Bags’ Renee Roberts. Try her delicious cupcakes in fun flavors. If you haven’t yet noticed Marshfield vendor Casba with their hummus, tabouli, and other Mediterranean, Vegan, and GF foods you are in for a treat. This week at 3:30 the free kids’ activity is cookie decorating by LollyCake Ladies, for those 3-16 years. Friday’s market promises to be a great outing with Aaron Cooper as the entertainment, pony rides on the grass, and the strawberries still sweet and abundant!

To all my readers I thank you for your feedback and occasional praise regarding my column these past 5 years. Over the summer I hope to see all the friends I’ve made through my days at the Market but in my new capacity, shopping with a toddler holding my hand. And so it is time to say, “Farewell”.

The market is open every Friday 2-6 pm at the Marshfield Fairgrounds (140 Main St). Enter from Route 3A or south River Street across from the Fire Station. Parking and admission are free. The market offers a text reminder the day of the market each week. Sign up by texting the code mar248 to 781-676-3236. For more information visit MarshfieldFarmersMarket.com, it includes a map of the market, all vendors, products and much more or call the manager, Stephen, at 781-248-8501. Look for Stephen's first blog entry in two weeks!