The Francestown Community Market will open for the season on Friday, May 9, at 4 p.m. in the Francestown Town Hall horse sheds at 2 New Boston Road.

The market is open until 6:30 p.m. 

Organizer Pamela Berry of the Francestown Recreation Department is excited for new vendors and participants this summer. 

“We have a new vendor, Uncle Moo’s Emporium, who has pickles and relish and pickled vegetables, because the state allows that now,” Berry said.  

Fresh Start Farms, a program for new American farmers, will be returning to the market with fresh, locally grown produce. The program connects immigrant and refugee farmers with local farms. 

“We have a new couple this year who will be bringing their produce. People really loved their produce last year, ” Berry said. 

Friday’s opening market will also feature a local food truck, “Chew n’ Screw,” which serves homemade hot dogs, smashburgers and ribbon fries. The owners also own The Burstin’ Kennel Kettle and will be selling bags of fresh kettle corn. 

“We’re very happy to have a local food truck at the market for Friday. It’s hard to find local food trucks, and I’m always keeping my eye out for them, ” Berry said. 

Berry said her goal for the summer was to fill all 12 horse stalls at the Town Hall.

“That was my goal and we did it. We’re always looking for more vendors to be out on the grass as well, but we’re happy we filled the sheds,” Berry said. 

Berry said the summer of 2024 saw lower traffic partly due to temporary closure of Greenfield State Park, which has been closed for renovations since spring 2024. 

‘Typically we would get a lot of campers headed for the park, so that was a little slower,” Berry said. “We’re hoping this summer picks up a bit.”

Greenfield State Park, including the campground, is tentatively scheduled to reopen on May 23. 

Friday’s market will also feature music by local musician Mike Barger, who will play a selection of folk, classic rock and country music. 

Vendors include the Bubble Factory, which features homemade goat’s milk products. B.J. Carbee of Carbee Farms will be at the market with her local farm products, including jams and jellies. Champagne Farms, a family farm located in Francestown, will have farm products including canned goods and eggs.

Berry said, “The Francestown 4-H girls will be back.”

“Everyone loves their fresh lemonade,” Berry said. “It might not be the best weather this Friday, but the lemonade  always delicious.” 

The market will also feature three bakers: Dog Star Baking Co, The Little Bread Shed and 2 Good 2 B Baked. 

“The wonderful thing is they’re all different. Dog Star has these wonderful homemade pop tarts. The Bread Shed has braided breads and rolls, and 2 Good 2 Be baked has muffins and cookies. They are all amazing,” Berry said. 

Berry is always on the lookout for more vendors, as well as musicians and food trucks who can come throughout the summer. 

The Francestown Market runs every Friday afternoon through the summer months. To participate or learn more about the market please send email to francestowncommunitymarket@gmail. com.