Produce aplenty finding Common ground

By Rachel R. Briere, rbriere@lowellsun.com
Updated: 06/13/2009 06:35:47 AM EDT

WESTFORD -- It was 15 years ago when city gal Gloria Gilbert settled in the suburban respite of Westford. The Boston native bought a home less than a half-mile away from the Common. "I just thought the common was so gorgeous, so historic New England," she said. "It would be an idyllic place to ride my bike to with my son and buy a healthy snack or fresh produce."

A little more than a decade later she can. The Westford Farmer's Market launches its third year Tuesday, June 23, with more than 18 vendors selling everything from produce, baked goods, fish, meat, cheese and pasta. "Nothing is processed, it's a big difference," said Gilbert, the market founder and manager. "You could get your entire supper. You could buy salad and get incredible squash-filled raviolis that take two minutes to reheat. It's quicker than McDonald's."

The market takes place on the Common every Tuesday through Oct. 27. Summer hours are 3 to 7 p.m. and fall hours are 2 p.m. till dusk. Gilbert said it all started with only eight vendors. Now there are almost 20 and a waiting list to get a booth. Fruits and vegetables grown on area farms including Springdell and Spring Brook, both of Littleton, Hill Orchard in Westford and Laurel Ridge Farm in Ashby are available. As are, artisan fare from Boston's Globe Fish, Fiore D'Italia Pasta and Cheese of Vermont and many others.

Local restaurants are also on hand offering free samples. Karma, a Japanese fusion eatery on Littleton Road, is a regular and passes out samples of sushi. Gilbert said in previous years, Not Your Average Joe's, created dishes straight from what is in season and available at the market like strawberry shortcake and toasted corn. Gilbert wants to remind people that the market is not just satisfying to your stomach. Entertainment is offered every week and artists are on hand for demonstrations.