For seven months, Suzanne Johannet would drive by the Claflin Street Parking Lot pinning for the return “of the white tents and vegetable and all the people” that makes up the Belmont Farmers Market.
Finally, on Thursday, June 12, Johannet and many residents got their wish as the Farmers Market celebrated the opening of its ninth season with vendors, a magician (Watertown’s Ryan Lally), trumpets and a first-ever food truck in the Belmont Center parking lot.
State Rep. Dave Rogers and kindergartener Daphne Ries – dressed as a tomato – cut the ceremonial ribbon as trumpeters Ned Searls and Jasper Wolf performed the traditional fanfare. Then Ries rang the market bell at 2 p.m. to announce the season lasting until the final Thursday in October.
“It’s always exciting to see the market reopen,” said Johannet who is a member of the Belmont Food Collaborative that manages the market.
Johannet said residents should come to the market because all the produce is fresh, it’s a great social event “seeing people you know each week” and there is an array of vendors so customers can pick up everything they need to make a great meal.
“If you love to cook and you love fresh vegetables, you’re in heaven here,” said Johannet.
Johannet also stressed that shopping at the market is just as cost effective as buying produce at the local supermarkets.
“We compare the prices of in season vegetables and fruits with those sold at the local food stores and the price is always the same or even less,” said J0hannet.
New this year will be food trucks which will come periodically. Thursday saw Benny’s Crêpe Café Truck stop by serving sweet and savory crepes and omelets. The other trucks include Jamaican Mi Hungry (whose owner is the food services manager at Belmont Day School) and Ribbons and Wraps.
“And who knows, we may add more as the season moves on,” said Johannet.
