Amherst Farmers Market still going strong after 53 years

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4 days ago

AMHERST — Spend any time on the farmers circuit in the region and vendors and market-goers alike will say that the Amherst market is one of their favorites.
'I would hope the good word is getting out,' said David Machowski, owner, manager and director of the Amherst Farmers Market. 'Our reputation is pretty strong.'
Machowski bought the market in 1986, and it first opened in 1972.
'The town gives us great support,' Machowski said. 'They give us everything we need to make it work out here. We also have sponsorship from People's Bank, and Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Massachusetts.'
Opening day for this year's market was April 19, with vendors and customers set to come together on 31 consecutive Saturdays through Nov. 15.
What will the highlights be over the next six months?
'Survivability,' Machowski said. 'We're out here 31 weeks, so the highlight is just making it each week and having a good turnout. We are fortunate, we have a very loyal clientele. So we do well. The weather's not been great.'
Machowski said more seasonality is one of the highlights of the Amherst market. May, June, September and October are the busiest months. The summer months are slower, mainly because Amherst is a college town and people are away, Machowski said.
'Some (vendors) come in later in the season, some are earlier,' he said. 'It depends on what they have and how many other events and things they've got to spread themselves out to. But no matter the weather, people come out.'
Rain has dampened four of the market's six Saturdays so far.
Machowski also said a 'bad' day for the market still means at least 1,000 people come through the entrance and when the weather is nice, that number can top 5,000.
'I think there's good bang for the buck,' Machowski said, 'We have a lot of people coming out for the vendors and ardent support for several of them. No matter what the weather, people come out.'
This year, 54 vendors have signed up to be on the Amherst market's roster with 40-42 being on hand any given Saturday.
Zora's is a new vendor this year serving up authentic Venezuelan cuisine, run by Zora and her husband Leo.
'They've been knocking it out of the park here,' Machowski said. 'They'll be here every week. They have a line all day. Just. It's amazing to see.'
Red Fire Farm, Twisted Buns, Bread Euphoria Cafe and Plum Island Jams are just a few of the returning vendors.
Machowski has owned the market for 39 years and it never gets old.
'I've been here a long time. Every year I can say I think I've seen it all and it turns out I haven't,' he said. 'Something new arises, but it's great, I've got good staffing. It's absolutely fulfilling. Depending on who you talk to. The town has told me we're either the third or fourth largest economic driver for the town.'
Without a doubt, the market is all about bringing Amherst closer.
'It's a huge community. People come out and just socialize, shop and socialize,' Machowski said. 'During COVID, we were the only game in town. We were out here on the common. So being able to give that sort of connection to the town, that sort of draw, getting people out here ... for a lot of people, it's their weekly retreat to come out and socialize, make the shopping and see faces.'
Read the original article on MassLive.