New site in Slater Mill parking lot will feature more vendors

By DONNA KENNY KIRWAN

PAWTUCKET — Those who are mourning the seasonal shut-down of the wintertime farmer’s market at Hope Artiste Village have a bounty of reasons to rejoice: a new summertime version will debut this Sunday at Slater Mill.

Farm Fresh Rhode Island, in partnership with Slater Mill and the city of Pawtucket, announced this week that a Pawtucket Summertime Farmers Market will be held from noon to 3 p.m. every Sunday from June 7 through Oct. 25. Approximately 60 vendors will set up each week in the parking lot next to Slater Mill at 67 Roosevelt Ave.
Sheri Griffin, Markets Coordinator for Farm Fresh Rhode Island, said this will actually be the fourth year that Pawtucket has had a summer farmer’s market. For the past three years, it was held in the parking lot on Broadway near the Pawtucket Armory, where it was modestly successful. She said, however, that the new site is more centrally located and offers expanded room for vendors and customers.
Griffin noted the overwhelming popularity of the wintertime farmer’s market that just ended its run at the Hope Artiste Village on Main Street. She said the Farm Fresh organization is equally excited about the potential for the summertime market, which is expected to draw crowds into the downtown area as well.
Pawtucket Mayor James E. Doyle also acknowledged the success of the wintertime farmer’s market, saying that he and his wife were “stunned” to see the number of people there on the several occasions that they visited. “It was fantastic, and now that it has gone, I know that a number of people were saying, ‘What happens now?” said Doyle. “I’m excited that this wonderful market will be coming to this site downtown.” He added that the location, next to Slater Mill and near the Blackstone Valley Visitors Center, will be “a perfect marriage” for all of the entities involved.
S. Chandler, manager of development and marketing for Slater Mill, said he is “thrilled to have Farm Fresh coming to the site.”
He praised the organization’s two-pronged effort at helping local farmers to sell their produce and other food and dairy products while promoting the consumption of fresh food and healthy eating habits.
Chandler also noted that Slater Mill will be open on Sundays for tours as well as its gift shop. He added that the popular tourist spot, along with the Visitors Center and other downtown businesses will all benefit from the infusion of people who will likely be coming into the downtown area.
Among the vendors expected to take part in the weekly event are Barden Family Orchard, Chris’ Gourmet Treats, Hill Orchards, Moosup River Farm, Costa Farm, My Angel’s Call herbal soaps, New Dawn Catering, Misti Gourmet Sodas and The Cupcakerie.
Customers may use cash, credit cards, EBT/Food Stamps, Seniors’ Coupons and WIC at the market. Those wanting to use a credit card or EBT card can purchase Fresh Bucks — farmers market tokens — at the Farm Fresh Rhode Island table. Fresh Bucks can also be purchased in the form of a gift certificate.
Griffin also said that, thanks to a grant from the Connecticut-based Wholesome Wave, EBT customers can double their purchasing power when buying fresh produce.