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Officials to visit winter farmers market as part of statewide tour

Shoppers check out the options at a recent Hopkinton Winter Farmers Market, which is held on Sundays at Weston Nurseries. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

The commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and other special visitors will make an appearance at the Hopkinton Farmers Market this weekend.

MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle will tour the market this Sunday with other MDAR officials, leadership from Mass Farmers Markets and town officials including Select Board members, the town manager and the health director. Market manager Julie Beauchemin explained the visit is part of a series of visits the commissioner is making across the state.

“The purpose of the tour is to showcase several winter farmers markets around the state and highlight the variety of local food and farm products available over the winter months, and to recognize the dedication of local community organizers to run farmers markets in their communities,” Beauchemin stated in an email.

The winter market, hosted at Weston Nurseries, is back for a second year after being discontinued for nearly a decade. Beauchemin told the Independent in an earlier interview that the market boasts about 30 vendors every week along with food trucks.

“The fact that the commissioner is coming is a huge thing,” said Health Director Shaun McAuliffe. He praised Beauchemin’s work in improving the market and increasing vendor participation.

“She’s done a great job,” he added.

Beauchemin stated that Randle and other guests will walk through the market to talk with vendors about their experience selling their products in the winter. An MDAR representative noted in an email that the appearance is informal and no remarks are planned. Still, Beauchemin sees the visit as an honor.

“This visit recognizes the hard work and dedication of the farmers, artisans, market staff and Hopkinton town officials who make this farmers market possible,” Beauchemin stated. “Winter markets demonstrate that local agriculture doesn’t stop when the temperature drops; it evolves, adapts and continues to nourish our community year-round.”

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

Hopkinton High School boys hockey dropped a 5-0 decision against top seed Canton in the Division 2 state tournament Monday night.

This week’s Real Estate Transactions list shows three homes sold, including one for $2.5 million.

The latest Professional Insights from Edward Jones financial advisor Mark Freeman highlights the benefits of workplace retirement plans for small businesses.

The Hopkinton Trails Committee and the Hopkinton Trails Club will hold their next trail workday on Saturday to clear invasives at the Hughes Farm Trail.

Town meetings tonight include the Select Board (6), Tax Relief Committee (6), Historical Commission (7) and Marathon Fund Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

Snow lines the sidewalk on Pleasant Street. Warmer temperatures and rain are expected this week, which should lead to the snow washing away.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR