BEVERLY — The new organizer of the farmers market in Beverly said the outdoor market was staying put.
The 95th Street Beverly Hills Business Association has officially taken over the coordination of the market that's held in a commuter lot on the southeast corner of 95th Street and Longwood Drive, Erin Healy Ross said Thursday.
Ross, the executive director of the association, said her group took over the planning of the weekly farmers market at the request of city officials, who have been handing off such duties to local organizations throughout the city.
Late last year, there was talk on social media about moving the long-standing farmers market. This resulted in several newspaper articles where the pros and cons of the 95th Street location were debated.
But Ross said she spoke with several loyal vendors who said they preferred the established location and would consider pulling out of the Beverly market if it meant having to move.
"I feel that if the vendors are happy that carries a lot of weight," Ross said.
Several suppliers spoke highly of the accessibility of the existing site, including C&D Family Farms. The Knox, Ind.-based farmers sell meat and eggs, which requires bringing a large, refrigerated trailer in and out of the commuter lot, Ross said.
"If you talk to the vendors, they love our market," Ross said.
The farmers market in Beverly opens at 7 a.m. on May 10 Mother's Day. The vendors return every Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. through the end of October.
There are about 10 regular vendors who attend the market selling a variety of products including homemade dog treats, artisan cheeses and freshly-made breads. Farmers selling seasonal fruits and vegetables tend come and go as their crops are ready to harvest, Ross said.
Don and Sally Blankenship, of Blankenship Farms in Michigan, will have a one-day sale of annuals at 7 a.m. May 9 in the farmers market lot.
These farmers opt out of the Mother's Day debut in Beverly every year. Instead, they arrive early and sell flowers to loyal customers well aware of the unpublicized, pre-Mother's Day sale, Ross said.
The business association is now accepting applications for new vendors. Anyone interested in participating can call 773-238-4094 or visit the group's website.
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