Framingham Farmers' Market To Close Earlier Than Planned

Due to dwindling sales, the downtown Framingham Farmers' Market, which was slated to close in October, will be closing on Thursday, Sept 24, said Framingham Farmers Market Manager Jacqueline Meninno.

The Framingham Farmers' Markets on Thursdays, at the Framingham Centre Common, will stay open through the end of October, said Meninno.

Earlier this year, Meninno added a second Framingham Farmers' Market on Tuesdays downtown, encouraged by the Framingham Downtown Renaissance organization

"I am often asked if the downtown market was a 'mistake' and if it will take place next season," said Meninno. "To first answer that question I have to go back to why the market even opened downtown. It was encouraged by theFramingham Downtown Renaissance, as a stepping stone to assisting with the revitalization. While one can say the downtown market was not a success due to slow sales, I disagree. The point of market was not to “roll in cash” but to assist in revitalizing a challenging area. I can say for a fact that market made an impact on a very little common, that on other days seems unapproachable."

Meninno said running the Tuesday markets at the Framingham Downtown Common showed her "downtown Framingham needs help."

She said "there are steps being made to improve some of the issues, but the biggest changes can only be made by us, the residents."

"It is time we all push aside our apprehensions and perceptions," said Meninno. "When I first considered the downtown market I thought  'ugh ...all of that traffic.'. Not true; Franklin Street, which leads to downtown, is a breeze. "

Meninno said she thought there would be no place to park. She said that was a myth.

"I have always found a meter when in downtown and TD Bank generously allowed parking in their parking lot, a stone throw away from market," said Meninno.

But over the course of running the downtown market for the last three-plus months, Meninno said she heard from many people that they won't come downtown to the market because "it is not safe down there."

"To this I will say perception is reality," said Meninno. "The perception of people that make us feel uncomfortable will lead us feeling unsafe. I can honestly say that over the past 14 weeks, I have never been in harms way. When you get to know those who hang about, you quickly realize the only person in jeopardy is themselves."

So back to the question if the Framingham Farmers' Market will return in 2014. Meninno's answer "I hope so."

"The Market offers neighborhood kids, home for a long summer vacation, somewhere to go and something to do. It provides employees and residents around the downtown area farm products right to their door," said Meninno. "Most importantly, it adds to community connections, therefore lending to the revitalization efforts."

Meninno said she is grateful for the community and business support of the downtown farmers' market, in its inaugural season.

Kids' entertainment was sponsored by SMOC; Mass Bay Community College; NMWT Credit Union and Mutual One Bank. Jenny the Juggler, and the other entertainment, did draw crowds.

Senior Whole Heath, MWRT and Kennedy Community Health gave away "veggie dollars" said Meninno.

"In addition to the kids entertainment sponsorship I would like to additionally thank Mutual One for their generous donation to market operations," said Meninno.

She said the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) is owed a huge thank you for providing her with a social worker, Moses Mohamed, "who has sat with me for numerous weeks, always with a smile on his face."

She said she appreciated Framingham Downtown Renaissance Executive Director Holli Andrews "enthusiasm that is completely contagious, I only hope all residents of Framingham have a chance to meet her, so they too can see the hope for downtown."

Meninno said she wanted to thank "Vinny at Fres Café, who came up with an unbelievable menu based off of market veggies."

She also wanted to thank Framingham Town Manager Bob Halpin, the Framingham Police and the Framingham Selectmen, who "have been incredibly supportive. "

She said the market could not have happened without the "vendors who came week after week, with little pay off; as well as her "dedicated volunteer, Freddie Franjul."

"Lastly to the customers who came out and back again, they shopped, they donated and they kept us smiling," said Meninno. "With fingers crossed, look for us in June 2014."