By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
After five seasons on Wednesday evenings, the North Attleborough Farmers Market is preparing for what could be its biggest season as it transitions to Saturday mornings.
Organizers expect the market’s largest opening day — which will be Saturday, June 6 — with more than 60 vendors scheduled to participate, and a season that will now run through Oct. 10. The market will be held at Veterans Park, located in the heart of downtown at 43 South Washington St.
For market founder and President Andrea Slobogan, the decision reflects both practical considerations and an opportunity created by changing circumstances in the local farmers market landscape.
“It just wasn’t sustainable to continue doing it on Wednesday nights,” Slobogan said. “We have amazing volunteers, but people can only do things for so long before more responsibility falls on a smaller group.”
At the same time, Slobogan learned that the longtime Attleboro Farmers Market would be closing.
“I was really sad about that because I loved that market,” she said. “I always looked at our Wednesday market as — if you went to Attleboro on the weekend, you could come to North Attleborough during the week. Once I heard they were closing and some of our vendors started suggesting a Saturday market, I thought maybe now is the time.”
The change also aligns with the North Attleborough market’s continued growth. While attendance and vendor participation remained strong on Wednesday evenings, Slobogan said the new format is already attracting more interest. Several summer market dates are projected to host more than 40 vendors. Last year, some Wednesdays drew between 20 and 25.
“We’ve got about 30 full-season vendors this year, which means people know they can come every week and find their favorites,” Slobogan said.
Those returning vendors include familiar names such as Nana’s Oven and Angell Farm, alongside local honey producers and artisans. New additions include Round Hill Ranch, Night Owl Farm and Rosasharn Farm.
“We have a really nice mix of everything,” Slobogan said. “Baked goods, breads, eggs, meats, produce and beautiful artisan work, from jewelry to candles. We’re excited about it.”
The market will also feature a rotating lineup of food trucks and beverage vendors throughout the season. Returning favorites include Slater Memorial Park concessions, the Turner Brothers food truck and several specialty food vendors, while Blisspoint Meadery and Zydeco Meadery will alternate appearances throughout the summer.
The move to Saturdays offers benefits beyond attendance. The market will now operate from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., giving vendors a four-hour selling window compared to the previous three-hour evening format. The longer season also allows organizers to continue into early October, before early sunsets and cooler temperatures become a concern.
Despite the additional hours and weeks, Slobogan said vendor fees will remain unchanged.
“Our full-season rate is still $450,” she said. “That works out to about $25 per market for vendors. There are plenty of markets that charge much more than that.”
Revenue generated through vendor fees helps fund community events, including the annual North Attleborough Block Party, while also supporting charitable causes.
“My goal has always been to give back as much as we can,” Slobogan said. “We try to donate at least $10,000 a year to local charitable organizations and keep enough to help us start up the following season.”
This year’s market will continue many of its popular traditions, including Christmas in July on July 25, themed market days, DJ services provided by Bob K Sound and family-friendly activities. A new mascot, Charlie the Carrot, will join Bertha the Beet to make appearances throughout the season as organizers look for additional ways to engage children and families.
The market will also participate in celebrations tied to North Attleborough’s ongoing America 250 commemorations and is planning a special block party-style event during the summer.
Looking ahead, Slobogan believes the Saturday move positions it for continued growth while remaining true to its original purpose.
“The whole purpose has always been to bring awareness to small businesses and give back to the community,” she said. “We’re excited to see what this next chapter brings.”