Agora; Salems Farmers' Market

A place of assembly existed during ancient Greek times where merchants and craftsmen sold their wares. The 'Agora' was the definition an open-air tented marketplace. In Salem our own Agora during the 1930's had collapsible stalls made out of wood that held the treasures of the tradesman and treasure for the buyers. Before the innovation of malls, Salem, MA was the place to be especially on Saturdays. Throngs of crowds frequented the Paramount Theatre, shopped at the multiple stores that once lined the streets, while thousands of patrons visited the marketplace near Old Town Hall until sometime in the 1970's when malls opened Salem's heyday became just a nostalgic memory. However, that memory was to be renewed when in 2009 Jennifer Bell, dedicated volunteers, and the City of Salem reinstated the market area in downtown. Spurred by the advent of farmer markets in California the movement of marketplaces spread throughout the United States in the 80's and the 90's to eventually be the conceived as Salems Farmers' Market. A reinstatement that is a popular place now for not only our residents, but for those visiting our city. A popularity that has grown and will continue to grow like an 'Agora' alive with the smells and the colors that once thrived in ancient Greece. 

The market is not the tradition type of market just sponsoring local farmers. Salem has a market that features not only locally grown produce, but featured each Thursday is also speciality products as well as entertainment. Hosted by Salem Main Streets the market grows each year with an estimated 5,000 in attendance this year on opening day. The market not only meets the needs of the typical buyer, but with the financial stress on today's families the market also accomodates the needs of low-income buyers through the acceptance of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. Most importantly this meets the need of families to eat healthier by having the ability to purchase fresh vegetables, fruits, and other items. A table is available at the market where SNAP participants can purchase tokens by swiping their cards and if they happen to have any unused tokens they can be returned in exchange for the dollar amount to be reinstated onto their EBT cards. And with the farmer selling directly to the consumer without a middleman the prices are reasonable and the benefits of nutrition as well as the fresh taste are well worth the visit. I personally enjoy not only buying the products that are offered, my biggest enjoyment is the visual colors and smells that stimulate my senses. It is as though, while resting on the stairs of Old Town Hall, I have a kaleidoscope viewing bits and pieces in endless varities of patterns; with multiple colors and shapes geometrically arranged; the shapes of Salem's people, events, and places - our own Salem Agora.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/salem/news/lifestyle/columnists/x782939387/Tammy-Callanan-Support-your-farmers-market-it-supports-you#axzz1VIJucakM

Mission Statement:

Our Mission

Enhance the quality of life in the Salem downtown area by providing a community activity that fosters social gathering and interaction.

Provide a convenient and congenial means of purchasing locally grown or prepared food products.

Support local agriculture and producers by providing a direct market or their produce and goods.

Salem Farmers’ Market Committee
Jennifer Bell (Salem Main Streets)
Pam Lombardini (Market Manager)
Gus Sousa
Marlene Faust
Kristin Rogers
Aaron Martin
Jim Vaughey
Gary Gill

http://salemfarmersmarket.org/


https://www.facebook.com/pages/Salem-Farmers-Market/111139142235650

http://salemmainstreets.org/