Kristina Kronauer creates produce signs during the opening day of the Farmers’ Market. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)  MORE PHOTOS

A festive air swirled around the elementary school parking lot last Saturday morning as townspeople gathered to shop, mingle, and catch up with one another while visiting more than a dozen vendors offering everything from giant yellow sunflowers and organic apples to fresh fish just off the dock in Boston. Accompanied by the upbeat tunes of the Wild Edibles, shoppers talked with local farmers and gardeners about their wares, a number of which originated in the orchards, hives, and gardens of Harvard.

Surveying the scene at the school, the three main organizers of Harvard’s new farmers’ market were thrilled with the event. Opening day came about after months of hard work and planning, but Lisa Frackiewicz, Jen Sundeen, and Rochelle Greayer all agreed that the market’s opening surpassed their expectations.

“The place just lit up,” Frackiewicz said.

Years ago, the three women bonded over time spent in the preschool parking lot, and cemented the friendship while all three had daughters taking the same dance class. The women, who have seven children among them, seem energized by their efforts to bring the market to fruition, often finishing one another’s sentences as they reflected on the work of the last nine months. While they had the idea for a market for years, they said, it wasn’t until last February that they sat down at Starbucks one morning and got serious—sort of. “Starbucks made this market happen,” Frackiewicz said, “Starbucks and red wine.” What followed that first meeting were the tasks of any start-up venture: forming a legal structure, buying insurance, setting up the website, and organizing vendors. Help came from any number of sources, they noted, and the group gradually grew to include key players Amy Sklar, Davida Bagatelle, Sara Beth Tracey, and Joan Eliyesil, who designed the website, www.harvardfarmersmarket.org.

Farmers' Market organizers Rochelle Greayer, Jen Sundeen with daughter Kellie , and Lisa Frackiewicz. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)

From the very beginning, Sundeen said, the group wanted to provide fresh, nutritious foods to friends and family. Just as important, though, was the spirit of community connection they think they achieved last weekend. That part of their vision came together on Saturday, Sundeen said, as she watched townspeople of all ages bond over the fruits, vegetables, and even organic dog food. “It was amazing to see the community coming together and making connections.” When the Wild Edibles played the Hokey Pokey and a couple performed the traditional dance amidst the gladiolas and cantaloupes, Sundeen was delighted. “That is what it’s all about,” she said with a wink.

Greayer, who was primarily responsible for organizing vendors, was enthusiastic about the range of choices shoppers had last Saturday, and said that selection would only get better as the season progresses. A number of Harvard farmers and producers were represented last weekend, she said, including Old Frog Pond Farm, the Evanses’ family farm, Dharma Harvest, Sister Mary Philomena with cucumbers from St. Benedict’s Abbey, and “Come Here Often Honey,” sold by beekeeper Tom Aciukewicz. Organic beef and fresh fish, as well as a variety of exotic vegetables sold by Hmong Farms of Bolton, were also part of the offerings, Greayer noted. Vendors were pleased with the opening day, she said, and five of them sold out before noon. Inspired by the zucchini blossoms on sale at the Hmong Farms stand, she went home that evening and made a plate of the savory blooms to accompany the bluefish she found at the seafood vendor. “It was awesome!” she said.

While she is very pleased with the inaugural market, the season is only going to grow and get better, Sundeen said. Not only will the Wild Edibles perform again throughout the season, but members of the Still River Band will be on hand this coming Saturday to entertain shoppers with a bluegrass jam on the lawn. Additional vendors are also slated to come on board, Greayer added, noting that one will bring fresh mozzarella, and another will come with homemade sauerkraut and flavored vinegars.

Frackiewicz pointed out that the market also serves a charitable community purpose by providing fresh food to WHEAT Community Services, an organization in Clinton that provides social services to those in need in the Wachusett area. Shoppers are welcome to donate fresh food in a specially marked bin, she said.

As noted on the website, the market will continue on Saturdays from nine until noon, rain or shine, until the season ends October 27. Until then, the market’s organizers can’t wait to see what each week brings, whether it be an exotic new vendor or a wave of soccer fans from across the street. Near the close of business last week, they received the ultimate accolade for their efforts, Greayer said. “Someone said ‘This is even better than the dump!’”

For more information on the Harvard Farmers’ Market, including information on vending and volunteering, visit www.harvardfarmersmarket.org.