BCFM Week 11: 2025.08.025

Aug 2025

Welcome Market Lovers!

Get your shuck on for our annual Corn Husking Competition!

Think you can shuck faster than your neighbor? Join us on Monday for a fast-paced, finger-flying corn husking showdown! Prize for the quickest husker and plenty of laughs for all. Bring your cheering section - this is one contest that’s a maize-ing to watch! Register at the Market Mangers Booth to participate.

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 easy listening music by Doug Wilder.

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. This week’s craft features popcorn from Fudge N Stuff.

COMMUNITY PARTNER TENTS - Billerica Scholarship Foundation (BSF), Shawsheen River Watershed Assn (SRWA), Billerica Cat Care Coalition and The Better Business Bureau

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!

This week we met …

Peter shopped at the market for flavorful blueberries to gift his friend as well as fresh, local ingredients to make his favorite dishes. I hear he has a banging peach cobbler recipe. Some day, Peter may even have his own cookbook.

Paula looks forward to her trips to the market during the season to pick up freshly squeezed lemonade and fruits & veggies from our farms. We look forward to the day when Paula retires and can volunteer at the market.

Maria gives the market a thumbs up for community, kindness and caring. One of our farmers found her glasses, turned them into the managers booth and we are thrilled to return them to their owner!

This Week’s BCFM Vendor Schedule

FARMS (5)

Bitznpeace Farm
Field vegetables, honey, maple syrup, eggs, plants, flowers
Full Shade Farms
Gourmet mushrooms
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

FOOD TRUCKS (5)

What the Fork
Empanada Dada
The Frosty Pedal
Kona Ice of MA
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
Old Mill House Coffee
The Stand “Shaken not Stirred” Lemonade
Roma’s Bakery Inc
Jennifer Lee's Bakery
Olive World
Mama's Hungarian Kitchen
Dom’s Meats
Knot Just Cake, LLC

ARTISANS (7)

Medford Soap Company
Sew Creative Gift Shop
Lost Art Crochet
Shiny Things
Artify_bytasha
Kingdom of Ceramics
Sara June Apothecary

Explore All of Our 2025 Vendors on our website

This Week’s Vendor Spotlights

-> Jennifer Lee’s Bakery, interview by Mary

Meet Jennifer Lee of Jennifer Lee’s Bakery. If you’ve ever wandered through the Billerica Community Farmers Market and caught the scent of something sweet and warm, chances are you’ve found Jennifer Lee’s Bakery. Jennifer has been a beloved vendor at the market for over five years, bringing joy — and safe treats — to the community.

Jennifer’s story is one of resilience and purpose. After a serious injury in 2014 left her with unexpected food allergies, she transformed her bakery into a haven for those with dietary restrictions. Today, Jennifer Lee’s Bakery is a top nine allergen-free and completely vegan, meaning no gluten, dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, sesame, fish or shellfish. Even coconut is off the menu!

With two storefronts in Boston and Worcester and 14 years of baking experience, Jennifer’s mission is simple: make delicious treats that everyone can enjoy.

And this Monday? in addition to her baked goods, she’s rolling out hot foods like vegan mac & cheese, nachos and maybe even pretzels with hot cheese.

Jennifer says, “I love this market — it’s like a little festival and such a great way to start the week.”

So come hungry, come curious, and come say hi to Jennifer at the market. Your taste buds (and your allergies) will thank you!

This Week’s Entertainment

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

Doug Wilder

As a young boy, Doug began his love of music and at 12 started playing guitar.

His music is a mix of folk, country and classic rock, playing covers as well as writing his own songs.

Experience his soulful melodies and bring the rhythm of life into your day!

Enter the 2025 Aw Shucks! Adult Husking Competition

Registrations will start at 3pm but you must be present and check in by 5:45pm to participate.

Contest will be held at 6pm.

Entrants must be 21 or older. 1 entrant per family please.

If more than 12 register a lottery will be held for the 12 entrants.

Fastest corn shucker wins!

In the event of a tie, judges will determine “cleanest” shucking effort. Judges decision is final.

This Week’s Community Partner Tables

Billerica Dollars for Scholars

The Billerica Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships for students who reside within the Billerica Town limits.

Stop by and buy your Annual Calendar to support this great organization!

Billerica Cat Care Coalition

Providing educational information on low-cost spay and neuter for felines as well as adoption information.

Better Business Bureau

Customers want to trust companies they do business with and BBB is committed to building that trust. BBB tools and services are available to you.

Stop by and learn more today!

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

Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors & 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 Mexican Street Corn in a Cup!

Esquites is also known as elote en vaso or Mexican street corn salad. Here's a recipe that uses fresh, seasonal ingredients found at our farmers market.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups fresh corn kernels, cut off the cob (about 4 medium ears of corn)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 jalapeño pepper, minced (seeds removed if you don’t want it spicy)
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese, plus more for garnish
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
½ teaspoon fine salt
2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
Chili powder, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika, optional
1 teaspoon chili lime seasoning, optional
Lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter, fresh corn kernels, garlic, and jalapeño. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium mixing bowl.
Add the mayonnaise, cotija cheese, cilantro, salt, and lime juice. Add the chili powder and optional ingredients if using. Mix until fully combined. Taste and season with more salt and mayonnaise if desired.
Garnish with chili powder to your liking, a lime wedge, and a sprinkle cotija cheese.
Serve immediately in individual portions.

Tips for farmers market shopping and substitutions

Fresh Corn: Look for corn with tightly wrapped green husks, and slightly sticky, golden-brown tassels.
Cheese: Cotija cheese has a distinct salty and tangy flavor. If you can't find it, crumbled feta or Parmesan cheese are acceptable substitutes
Chili Powder: You can experiment with different chili powders or a chili lime seasoning like Tajín for varied levels of heat and spice.
Add-ins: Feel free to explore other creative additions like grilled onions, cilantro, lime zest, or hot sauce.

See more recipes here at https://www.isabeleats.com/esquites/

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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