01907_Fall_2019

30 | 01907
STYLE
FALL 2019 | 31
Farmers market
grows in popularity
BY GAYLA CAWLEY
Guadalupe Designs' black petite "Galapagos" basket
handmade from palm trees
Available at Kat's Boutique, $170
CARRY
Monserat De Lucca "Vidal"
gray suede crossbody bag
Available at Chic Streets Boutique, $140
in
STYLE
BY BELLA diGRAZIA | PHOTOS BY SPENSER HASAK
If you must lug around all your valuable items every day, make
sure they're in something that reflects your creative self.
Whether you're into crossbody bags, satchels, woven baskets, or
tote bags, there are millions of styles to choose from. Handbags
are your most vital accessory, so head to any of these boutiques
and find the one that speaks to you.
FIND YOUR HANDBAG AT:
CHIC STREETS BOUTIQUE, 434 HUMPHREY ST.
KAT'S BOUTIQUE, 212 HUMPHREY ST.
Hammitt "Daniel" black leather
satchel with strap
Available at Chic Streets Boutique, $525
Guadalupe Designs' cream
woven "Alamo" basket
Available at Kat's Boutique, $195
Hammitt "Nash" pine-cone-colored
crossbody/belt clutch
Available at Chic Streets Boutique, $165
Hammitt "Tony" black metallic crossbody bag
Available at Chic Streets Boutique, $215
Neva Opet black leather bucket bag,
handmade from Atlanta, GA.
Available at Kat's Boutique, $95
For the eighth year in a row, getting
down on the farm doesn't mean going
very far in Swampscott.
People of all ages flock to the Town
Hall lawn each Sunday during the
summer and fall months to choose from
a selection of fresh produce, pastries, fish
and coffee while relaxing near the ocean.
Moving from the farmers market's
first location at Swampscott High
School a few years ago has made a world
of difference in terms of its growth in
popularity.
"When we are at the high school, it
was less attractive as a destination," said
Danielle Strauss, the town's recreation
director, who organizes the market.
"Now it's a destination. People are just
coming here to meet where there's a cool
breeze and a good view instead of being
on the parking lot at the high school."
A low point in the market's operation
a few years ago prompted its change
in location. A big drop in attendance,
mirroring low participation for similar
markets throughout the state at the time,
made the town's vendors uncomfortable.
It was then that Strauss and other
organizers knew they had to make a
major change.
"That's what really did it for us,"
Strauss said.
The move immediately triggered the
market's resurgence. Today there are
30 vendors participating every week
compared to 12 to 15 prior to the move.
There is also a long waiting list of people
who want to sell their products.
Strauss said hundreds of people
frequent the market each week, not only
to shop, but to socialize, relax and listen
to music.
PHOTO | PAULA MULLER
Cecilia Nicholson, 3, of Swampscott wears her favorite hat and makes a starfish at a craft booth at
Swampscott’s Farmers Market.
They may come for the vegetables,
but the crepes and Bundt cakes also draw
a crowd. Attendees are always on the
lookout for the knife sharpener, a vendor
who sharpens knives and blades for yard
tools, Strauss said.
"I just think that it's been such a
great community success story that has
really brought so many people together
on a Sunday afternoon," Strauss said.
The Swampscott
Farmers Market runs
each Sunday from the
second week of June to
the last week of October,
from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
We offer Tai Chi
and Qi Gong for Health,
Wellbeing, and Fitness.
781-581-8887
ecohen@humanharmonies.com
Vinnin Square Plaza, Swampscott, MA
www.humanharmonies.com