Berkshire Grown Expands Holiday Farmers Markets Schedule
 |
Berkshire Grown will host Holiday Farmers Markets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on several weekends this winter.
Markets will be held on Saturdays, Nov. 22, Dec. 13, Jan. 17 and Feb. 14 at Monument Valley Middle School (313 Monument Valley Road in Great Barrington) and on Sundays, Nov. 23 and Dec. 14 at Williams College Towne Field House (82 Latham St. in Williamstown).
These popular events feature locally grown and produced foods and gifts, plus live music, lunch fare, and activities for children, during months when farmers’ markets are not open in the region. Admission is free.
“Berkshire farmers tell us that the Berkshire Grown Holiday Farmers Markets have become a essential source of income for them,” said Barbara Zheutlin, executive director of Berkshire Grown. “We have decided to support them even more in our sixth season by adding two new markets — one during Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend and the other during Valentine’s Day weekend, when the market theme will be ‘Love Your Farmer.’ ”
Major sponsors of the Holiday Farmers’ Markets include Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and Williams College. Berkshire Grown received funding from MDAR to promote Massachusetts Grown…and Fresher! at the markets. As part of Williams College’s ongoing commitment to sustainable food and local agriculture, the college is again co-sponsoring the markets by donating the Williamstown venue, as well as providing funding toward the event. The Williams College Sustainable Food and Agriculture Program and The Zilka Center for Environmental Initiatives are supporting the markets as a community partnership to further incorporate the principles of sustainability into the fabric of campus life. For more information on the college’s ongoing commitment to sustainable food, visit sustainability.williams.edu.
In addition, Berkshire Grown is grateful for generous support from the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce, Berkshire Co-op Market, Berkshire Organics, Greater Berkshire Agriculture Fund of The Carrot Project, Guido’s Fresh Marketplace, Kimball Farms, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, and Sweet Brook Farm.
Berkshire Grown supports and promotes local agriculture as a vital part of the Berkshire community, economy, and landscape; its mission is to “Keep farmers farming!” Through events, workshops, promotions, advocacy, and education highlighting locally grown and produced food, Berkshire Grown helps to create a thriving local food economy. For more information or to become a member of the nonprofit organization, see berkshiregrown.org or call 413-528-0041.
Tags: Berkshire Grown, farmers market,
