BCFM Week 15: 2025.09.22

Sept 2025

Welcome Market Lovers!

Yeehaw! It’s a Harvest Hoedown week at the Farmers Market!

Dust off your boots an grab your hat, because this week our market is turning into a good old-fashion country hoedown. Join us for lively music, farm-fresh eats, dancing in the fields and family fun all around. Shop local produce, banked goods and handmade crafts while tapping your toes to bluegrass beats.

Bring the whole family for Carolisa’s hoedown dance class, alpacas and some down-home community cheer. Whether your’re two-steppin’ or just stopping in for a bite, you won’t want to miss this barn-raising good time!

Come hungry, leave happy and celebrate the spirit of the harvest with us at Hoedown week!

NOTE: please be reminded that the market closes at dusk. Dusk is the time when day changes into night and the sky begins to get darker. As Fall approaches, dusk gets earlier and earlier so be sure to plan on arriving early so you don’t miss out. Official Sunset on Sept. 22 is at 6:41 pm closing bell is planned for 6:15 pm.

-> If you want to ring the bell, stop by the Managers Tent to sign up.

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Market Happenings:

BIG TENT - Get out of the elements, grab a spot at a table, wear a smile and breathe. It’s a great opportunity to slow down from the busy day and meet new friends. Enjoy Music by Ralph DeFlorio.

KIDS TENT - Each week we feature free kids crafts, games or activities. Staffed by our volunteer art directors, there’s will always be fun things to do at this tent.

DEMO TENT - The MMGA staffs Ask-a-Master-Gardener (AAMG) tables at dozens of events each year. We are excited to have our local Master Gardener, Susan Haas and her team back this week to answer all your questions!

COMMUNITY PARTNER TENTS - Shawsheen River Watershed Association (SRWA) and Stoneham Bank

IN THE FIELDS - Join us for a Harvest Hoedown family fun class with Carolisa at 4pm

And…. The Alpaca’s are back! Enjoy life and a selfie beside your favorite Alpaca from Harvard Alpaca Ranch.

MARKET MANAGERS TENT - Located at the main entrance at Grove Street stop by to find out more about our Market, ask questions, discover how you can volunteer, and redeem your SNAP & SUN BUCKS benefits.

TAKE PICTURES - We want to see and show everyone all the fun going on but we can’t be everywhere in the crowd. We invite you to take pictures of your experiences at the Market and share them on our Facebook Group.

At the market this week, try to find one fruit or vegetable for every color in the rainbow, take pictures, then post them on our site!

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See YOU at the market!

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On September 20, find us at Billerica’s 2025 Yankee Doodle Homecoming Celebration!

Stop by our spot #812 and enter to win our BCFM Basket worth > $350 filled with BCFM merch and goodies from our vendors!

Free to enter * Drawing ~ 3:30pm

This Week’s BCFM Vendor Schedule

FARMS (5)

Bitznpeace Farm
Field vegetables, honey, maple syrup, eggs, plants, flowers
Gaouette Farm
Grows and sells a wide variety or organically grown fruits and vegetables.
Meta Microgreens
Microgreens, shoots, baby leaf greens, grow your own kits for pets and humans, wheatgrass.
Spring Brook Farms
Produce, Meat, eggs, honey, jams, maple syrup, granola, fruits, wraps, focaccia, cookies, salads, produce, focaccia
Wonky Willow Gardens
Fresh cut flower bouquets, paper wrapped and jar options.

FOOD TRUCKS (3)

What the Fork
Empanada Dada
Bird's Nest Italian Street Food

PREPARED FOODS (14)

Fudge N Stuff
Blisspoint Meadery
ONN Specialties
Heavnly Dogs and Catering
Sophie's Apples
Seafood Express Co ~ You may Order for Market pickup
The Stand “Shaken not Stirred” Lemonade
Totally Nutz
Roma’s Bakery Inc
Jennifer Lee's Bakery
Black Sheep Craft Ice Cream
Mind Body Snack
Eva’s Little Kitchen
Nothing Bundt Cakes

ARTISANS (7)

Medford Soap Company
MNC Designs
Chiron Botanicals
Garage Therapy
Pattie's Animal Fair
Needful Things Thrift
Sara June Apothecary

Explore All of Our 2025 Vendors on our website

Vendor Spotlight: Harvard Alpaca Ranch

“We pride ourselves in providing our herd the highest quality facilities to ensure happy and healthy alpacas.”

Matt and Amy Verrell moved to Harvard MA in 2015 and started the farm in 2016 after researching the alpaca industry. Matt is a former environmental biologist, and Amy is a registered nurse. Their motivation was to share the positive human-animal bonding experience of alpacas, which had helped their son, Rusty, improve his health and farming interest.

The Harvard Alpaca Ranch is a working alpaca farm located at 58 Old Mill Road in Harvard MA on 5.7 acres of beautiful farmland that was formerly a horse farm. They maintain a herd of 39 alpacas (including 3 babies born this year so far) and a shop with beautiful alpaca products, including yarn, socks, hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens, blankets, and stuffed animals.

The ranch focuses on educating visitors about alpacas and the quality of their fiber. They aim to create a welcoming, family-friendly, and accessible environment. The farm produces and sells finished alpaca products, including yarn and other fiber items, in their on-site shop. They are committed to earth-friendly, sustainable farming, with the farm being solar-powered.

At the Billerica Community Farmers Market, visiting with the alpacas provides an opportunity to experience the peaceful nature of these adorable animals and feel the happiness they bring to people. We love our Alpaca friends!

This Week’s Entertainment

-> Keep eyes on our Newsletters, Website and Facebook page to stay informed of our Market’s Weekly Themes & Activities.

Harvard Alpaca Ranch will be onsite along with our adorable alpaca friends.

Local musician who plays acoustic guitar, harmonica and sings upbeat songs drawn from folk, bluegrass and country traditions. Ralph’s goal is to deliver a performance that will have people feeling better when they leave than they did when they arrived!

This Week’s Community Partner Tables

Stoneham Bank

“Our community means the world to us. Did you know that up to 10% of our profits go directly back to the community?”

Special thank you to one of Billerica Farmers Market’s Corporate Sponsors!

Shawsheen River Watershed Association

Shawsheen River Watershed Association (SRWA) is a group that is focused on the recreational access to and the preservation of the Shawsheen River. SRWA aims to preserve this local natural resource for the surrounding communities and all to enjoy. Please consider becoming a member and look for the events, paddle activities and the river clean up events.

Happy paddling!

2025 BCFM Sponsors & Donors

The Billerica Community Farmers Market relies on your donations to cover costs. Our success and overall existence is due to the generous support of Corporate Sponsors, Friends of the Market, Grants, Volunteers, Residents and surrounding Communities.

Please consider making monetary contributions to the Billerica Community Farmers Market. Sponsorships and donations help us sustain our food assistance programs, support local farms and business, and provide a fun, social gathering space for our community

2025 Corporate Sponsors:

Lowell Five
Stoneham Bank
Wrap 4 cars
Billerica Access TV
Burns & Egan Realty Group
Dan’s Auto Repair
EZ Tax & Accounting
Fitzpatrick & Goguen CPAs P.C.
John McBride Insurance Agency
Kasher Corp.
9round.com Fitness & Kickboxing

Special mention to Friends of the Market

Farm Market East Grant
Market Basket
The Stand “Shaken Not Stirred” Lemonade
Town of Billerica Community Funds Grant
Town of Billerica Select Board
Town of Billerica Recreation Department

Thank you to all our Sponsors and Donors!

-> Be part of our story! Start now by visiting our Website or stopping by the Market Managers tent.

Special Mention to Friends of the Market

Farm Market East Grant
Market Basket
The Stand “Shaken Not Stirred” Lemonade
Town of Billerica Community Funds Grant
Town of Billerica Select Board
Town of Billerica Recreation Department

It’s not too late!

Vote for Billerica Community Farmers Market

https://markets.farmland.org/markets/313885

Hurry, your vote counts!

Voting ends Sept 30th

America’s Farmers Market Celebration ™ (AFMC) is the only annual ranking of the top farmers markets in the United States as voted on by the public. Since 2008, the AFMC has highlighted the important role farmers markets play in communities across the nation while celebrating the farmers, staff, and volunteers that make markets happen.
While they’ve long served as pillars of local food in urban centers and town squares, in recent years, farmers markets have gained the national recognition they deserve as essential businesses that power farmers and communities to thrive.

Learn more at https://markets.farmland.org/

Farmers’ Market Cowboy Caviar

This fresh, farmers-market-inspired cowboy caviar is packed with seasonal vegetables and a zesty lime vinaigrette. The recipe prioritizes fresh ingredients and includes the creamy richness of avocado. It’s the perfect way to use raw market produce like corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions.

For the caviar

Combine black beans, black-eyed peas, fresh sweet corn kernels, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, Roma tomatoes, jalapeño (optional), fresh cilantro, and diced avocado (added just before serving).

For the dressing

Whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, cumin, honey or agave nectar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Ingredients

1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1 cup fresh corn kernels
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 red onion, diced
½ cup chopped cilantro
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
Juice of 1 lime
⅓ cup olive oil
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Tortilla chips for serving

Instructions

Combine the vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ingredients for the caviar (except cilantro and avocado).
Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients, lime juice, olive oil, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Dress the caviar: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat.
Chill and marinate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or 1 to 2 hours for best flavor.
Add the avocado: Just before serving, gently fold in the cilantro and avocado.
Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve with tortilla chips, as a salad side dish, or as a topping to your favorite protein.

With much appreciation to our Corporate Sponsors and Grants, we are able to match up to $15.00 per family visit, as long as funding allows. Find out if you are eligible for SNAP benefits.

-> Redeem SNAP at the Market Managers Tent.

SUN Bucks is now a permanent federal food benefit for low-income families with school-aged children. Families will receive $120 per child between Jul and Sep to help cover grocery costs when school is out. We will match up to $15.00 per child visit, as long as funding allows. Learn more about Massachusetts Sun Bucks Program

-> Redeem SUN Bucks at the Market Managers Tent.

Per order of the Billerica Board of Health, animals are prohibited at the Billerica Community Farmers Market.

Be prepared, rain or shine!

-> We will be there!

Free parking is available

~ on Grove Street across from the Emerald Rose

~ at Community Congregational Church at 803 Boston Rd.

Exciting news! The LRTA bus that stops across the street from our market is free through Sept. 30! Check it out and plan your trip this Monday.

It's clean, it's green, and it's FREE!

https://lrta.com/routes/route-13/

THANK YOU FOR DOING YOUR PART - We ask for your help to keep our location tidy and well maintained by cleaning up after yourself and leaving the area the way you found it.

- Please do not litter

- Minimize your own trash; reduce the amount of waste you bring into the Market by using re-usable containers that you can bring home afterwards.

- Use the garbage cans located throughout the Market.

- Practice pack it in, pack it out; if you bring something with you, take it with you when you leave.

- Treat the property at the Market with respect: Tents, Tables, Chairs, Portable Restrooms, Handwashing Stations, Signs, Vehicles, Materials, etc.

- Inform the Market Managers promptly of any concerns or ideas to keep the area clean & safe.

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