Quality, consistency become hallmarks of Weaver Library Farmers Market

East Providence entry into the food scene is now in its fourth season

By Mike Rego
Posted 7/27/17

EAST PROVIDENCE — As much pride shown by those who produce the products on display is held by those who have helped nurture what is now the fourth edition of the annual Farmers Market at the …

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Quality, consistency become hallmarks of Weaver Library Farmers Market

East Providence entry into the food scene is now in its fourth season

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — As much pride shown by those who produce the products on display is held by those who have helped nurture what is now the fourth edition of the annual Farmers Market at the Weaver Library.
From June to September each summer, the market has provided residents from the city and some from neighboring communities with the opportunity to access locally grown vegetables and manufactured goods on a consistent basis.
And it’s that consistency, both in quality and availability, that has helped the market take root in the consciousness of the consumer, something that aids all involved.
“Having a core group of people who we know are returning is so important. Because there are so many farmers markets in Rhode Island right now, finding vendors is not an easy thing. And finding vendors for a new market is difficult, and even at four years we’re still a relatively new market, so it makes it so much easier to have a core that returns,” said library assistant director and market overseer Joyce May.
“When you are a newer market, when you aren’t a market that’s been around for 25 years and has 45 vendors, finding vendors is not an easy thing to do, especially for a food-based market,” Mrs. May continued. “And being able to support local entrepreneurs like our new young baker, Rustic Roots, who is one of first three people in a new food incubator in Woonsocket, that’s a great thing. And I love our farmers. Their vegetables are just amazing. They’re so crisp and sweet. There’s nothing like it, really.”
Since the start
A few of the dozen or so vendors have been at Weaver since the market’s inception: Delfina’s Plants and Herbs of right here in city and owned by Delfina Harrison, aka "The Plant Lady"; Oakdale Farms, based in nearby Rehoboth; and Appetito Foods, from Bristol.
Appetito is owned and operated by Joe Votta. The company sells imported oils and vinegars from Italy.
“The longer people are here and the more often people come, I think the market has really been picking up. People are knowing it’s here. The consistency, the reliability of it has been nice. We see a lot of the same people. We have a lot of return customers. It’s been good. I know Joe really likes this market,” said Karen Valcourt, who oversees the Appetito stands and does bottling for the company.
The Weaver Market is one of two Appetito attends regularly, the other being at Mt. Hope Farm in Bristol.
“It gets the name out there, which is good for us,” Ms. Valcourt added. “And for the customers, they know this is a reliable source, that we’re going to be here week after week. And I’ve had people come here and say, ‘I’ve come here just for you this week,’ so that’s good. And it also forges a sense of community, which is good.”
Oakdale Farms is operated by Mike and Laura Smith of Seekonk, its fare featuring fresh produce. Keeping things in the family, C&M Farms, run by the Smith’s daughter Madison and her husband, Cody Callahan, also offers locally grown vegetables. C&M has been at Weaver for the last three seasons.
“It’s been great. They’re really glad to see us here. A lot of people used to go up to the farm store (on North Wheaton Avenue, Rehoboth), so they know the quality and care that’s put into the product,” Lois Payton, who is one Oakdale’s employees, said of the Weaver market.
She continued, “And people have seen us at other markets, so they’re aware of the quality we offer. They know the dedication that Mike and Laura have for what they do and the pride they take in it. So we have a lot of repeats, who will follow you from one market to the other. If they can’t make it to one, they’ll try to find you at another. So being here has been nice.”
Who’s at the market?
The list of vendors for the 2017 Weaver Library Farmers Market also includes: AB Monroe Dairy Sacred Cow Granola; Bellicchi's Best Biscotti; Buppy Pets (artisan dog treats); Diggers Catch Fresh Fish; Earth and Anchor (soaps, incense and soy candles); Friends of the Library; Honey for Haiti (honey and beeswax candles; expected to start July 27); Mumma's Lemonade (Sorrelade too); Rustic Roots Baking (cookies, scones, sweet breads, pies); Sidewalk Ends Farm (veggies and flowers too); Bobby Carr Ground Beef (expected to start July 27).
Buppy Pets has a local tie. It’s owned by Lauren Ruggiero, and makes artisan dog treats. According to Mrs. May, Ms. Ruggiero was once a student at Sacred Heart School in city and used to patronize the Weaver Library. She enthusiastically joined the fold this summer.
“When she saw we had a market, she was so excited,” Mrs. May added of Buppy Pets. “This is first market she’s come to, and she was so excited because it was a library market.”
Looking ahead
The Weaver Farmers Market continues each Thursday evening from 4 to 7 p.m. on the library lawn through early September.
This week, July 27, Folk artist Allysen Callery is back playing and a dance performance by Holly and the Sacred Flames Belly Dance Troupe is also scheduled. Both performances are free and open to all.
Later in the year, Mrs. May is hoping to have a wood fire pizza night and additional aspects to the market, including music, are also in the works on a weekly basis.
Of how things have gone to date for the 2017 season, Mrs. May added, “It seems steadier. I see people leaving with bags full, which is always good. We did a half-hour count one day, and we had 100 people in a half-hour, so that’s pretty decent. That was pretty good. To be able to put fresh vegetables and food in people’s hands is pretty good.”

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MIKE REGO

Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.