Grafton Goes and Grows Green

The Grafton Common resembled an exotic eatery, with fresh tomatoes, newly baked cookies, even pineapple plants.

But all of these items came from only a few miles away.

Providing locally produced food is the goal of the Grafton Farmers Market, which kicked off its third season Thursday, June 30.

A range of vendors, including Houlden and Potter Hill farms in Grafton, sold their wares.The farmers market will be held from 2 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through October.

Tyler Houlden, who works on his family’s farm, said the market is an appealing way to attract people to the Common. And this way, he said, “everybody’s eating fresh vegetables.’’

Retired teacher Kathleen Despres now operates Kathie’s Bakeshop, which offers custom-order baked treats. She said she likes the “lovely location,’’ just blocks from her home, and has made a lot of friends at the market.

As the season continues, there will be even more produce, said Liz Colognesi, one of the market managers for Grafton Farmers Market.

But the perfect weather and the available produce still led to a strong opening, she said. “So far, so good,’’ she said.