Farmers Turn Out for Open Air Market

Two of Concord's farming titans set up shop at either end of Main Street on Saturday as the 2010 Ag Day got underway.

Steve Verrill stood at one end doling out steamed corn on the cob, while Frank Scimone and his niece were at the Walden Street end doing a brisk business in tomatoes, corn and fruit.

In between were dozens of local farms selling their harvest, from herb vinegar to hulled cherries, tree hydrangeas to heirloom tomatoes.

With the rain decidedly over, people seemed to pour into the Milldam to buy their share of local produce. The Agricultural Commission set aside the day over Labor Day weekend because produce is at its peak, and because next weekend the town will be celebrating its 375th birthday.

As with any street fair, the atmosphere was neighborly and upbeat as friends greeted one another and remarked on how much their children had grown over the summer. Many families brought their dogs, all well behaved on leashes with none charging the boxes of food.

Ben Elliott of Saltbox Farm sold some rutabaga which he said was great with grated carrots. Jim Wayman, a member of the Agricultural Commission, sold huge stems of mophead hydrangeas although his Wayman Farm is a commercial venture.

"It's a spectacular day," said Wayman. "It's a nice turnout."

He was asked why there aren't more frequent farmers' markets in Concord with so many local farms.

"Farmers can't do this and farm at the same time," he said. "This is good to showcase the farms, but these guys are working all the time."

He said next year there may be a regular farmers market at the Old Manse on Monument Street, but the details have yet to be worked out.

Pete & Jen's Backyard Birds sold husk cherries by the pintful. The small sweet orbs are a yelow-green color with no seed. Pete said they can be baked into pies or used like other cherries.

He said the name of his farm comes from the chickens the pair started selling in 2003. Now they grow a full range of fruits and vegetables along with meat and poultry.

Catherine Hansgate had a small stand selling her own Italian herb vinegar, jams and jellies all made with local fruit. Her business is Creations by Cathy Hansgate at Ladybug Farm Produce.

Scimone was pleased with the turnout too. "A lot of people are supporting us," he said. He had another of his nieces back at the Old Bedford Road stand.

"This is the peak, in late August, early September," said Scimone. "It's harvest time." He said to accommodate Ag Day, he planted a little extra this year.

"It works out," he said, as people stopped at the Scimone table for a hug as much as for the produce.

Verrill had a steamer simmering corn at one end of his large setup. He gave out dozens of ears of corn straight from the pot. It was a popular stop for hungry children and their parents.