Poster design by Ellery Yahia.

Fresh fish, bagels with cream cheese, homemade pasta, local honey, garden fresh veggies, herbs and live music—these are just a handful of delights to be experienced at the annual Harvard Farmers’ Market. Scheduled to open on Aug. 28 at Hildreth Elementary School, the market will run from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday through October, with the exception of Columbus Day weekend.

Founded in 2007 by residents Jen Sundeen, Lisa Frackiewicz, and Rochelle Greayer to provide an opportunity for consumers to buy local, seasonal foods and goods directly from farmers and other vendors, the market has grown from 13 vendors to more than 25 this year. The founders have worked to make the market a “destination event,” providing musical entertainment and continually seeking out vendors that have something unique to offer.

According to market manager Lisa Frackiewicz, opening day this year will not be disappointing. “The opening musical act will be the Wild Edibles. And we are very excited to welcome some new vendors, including Westcott Barn, from right here in Harvard.” 

Westcott Barn is a floral design business created by Richard Gioiosa of Westcott Road. Gioiosa, a graphic artist by trade, was inspired to create floral art after he took classes at Tower Hill Botanic Garden. “I have had a lifelong passion for flowers and gardens,” he says. “My teacher said I had a natural talent because of my design background. A friend saw one of my arrangements and told me that I HAD to be doing this as a business! In December 2009, I launched the business at the Harvard Historical Society’s Holiday Fair. Everything I make is a custom floral design. This weekend I will be designing the arrangements for a wedding at Fruitlands. I am very excited to be a part of the Harvard Farmers’ Market.”

Along with the fresh season comes a new look for the market poster. In past years, the Farmers’ Market has used a poster professionally designed for them. This year organizers decided to hold a contest for the design, which was underwritten by Harvard Chiropractic.

“The idea behind the contest was to engage the community and drum up excitement for the Farmers’ Market,” says Frackiewicz.  “It was opened to local students, and around a dozen entries were submitted.” The entrants were given free reign with the design, while incorporating the founders’ philosophy of peace, love, and local food. The winning poster was designed by Harvard resident and Rhode Island School of Design student Ellery Yahia.

For more information about the Harvard Farmers’ Market or any of its vendors contact the market organizers at: info@harvardfarmersmarket.org or by mail at: Harvard Farmers’ Market P.O. Box 307 Harvard, MA. 01451