The Rindge Farmers and Crafters Market will not be taking place this summer.

John McCracken, who co-manages the market along with Kim McCummings, said vendor participation has been dwindling for several years, and the same appeared to be true for this year.

“We only have two vendors, and it’s been like that for two years,” McCracken said. “It’s been very slow.”

The market has been running for about 15 years every Thursday from Mother’s Day to Columbus Day off Route 202. McCracken said it was spawned from the town’s now-defunct Agricultural Committee, which had a goal of keeping Rindge rural and supporting local farmers.

McCracken said that he and McCummings are ready to step down as organizers, but there has been no one willing to take over the organization.

“I’ve been doing this a long time, and I’ve been ready to hand over the reins, but nobody has stepped up to the plate. If there is anyone who is willing to take it on, I’d be more than happy to help them do so,” McCracken said.

Following the COVID pandemic in 2020, when the market was paused, McCracken said the it never recovered to its previous participation levels. He said the market has also not had a produce vendor for several years, which was something visitors were looking for.

“It had really devolved over the last five years,” said McCracken. “Really, COVID killed us altogether – and not just us. Other farmers’ markets, too. It never really rebounded.”

McCracken said when he attempted to reach out to vendors this year, he had positive responses from bread-seller Alicia Aho and Dancing Wind Farm, who were also the only two regular vendors the past few years. He said at that point, the decision was made to no longer move forward.

“We had our run, and it was a great experience. We loved everybody that was involved; they’ll be missed and thanks for contributions,” McCracken said. “They’ll be missed. Working with everyone was an experience of a lifetime. I’m sorry that we ended it, but it ran its course.”

Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172, Ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on X @AshleySaariMLT.