We contacted Emma Wright, who serves as the Board President and Market Manager of the *NEW* Ludlow Farmers Market. Let's come together as a community and show our support for Emma's hard work, as well as the entire board!
Why were you interested in tackling this endeavor of rebranding / resurrecting the Ludlow Farmers Market? I moved here about a year ago from Boise, Idaho, and I've fallen in love with Vermont but was missing the community I found in my farmers markets back home. I helped vend for a few different local businesses over the years and it was always the best part of my summers. I heard the Ludlow Farmers Market would discontinue if someone didn't step in, so I said to myself, "Let's see what I can do!" Since beginning my journey with LFM I have found nothing but positive support and real, tangible efforts from the community to keep the market alive. I am truly so grateful, and could not be doing this without my team, the rest of the Board. Our members include myself (Emma Wright, President), Leslie Cassano (VP), Abby Childs (Secretary), Pam Trainer (Treasurer), Mariah Ford, Greg Cox, and Heather Tucker.
Can you outline the vision and mission for the rebranded LFM? The vision for LFM moving forward is friendly, inclusive, approachable, and community-focused. Think of a neighbor who always has fresh coffee or tea when you stop by, who drops baked goods on your porch unannounced, and hosts community backyard BBQ's - that's who we want to be in town. We strive to be a connection hub in the community by weaving in local businesses, supporting our neighbors, inviting a wide variety of vendors, and doing our best to include consumers of all different backgrounds.
Is there still availability for vendors to sign up? What is the cut-off date? There is still availability! Vendors may contact us via email at info@ludlowmarket.org to begin the application process. All application fees must be in by April 15th to ensure a spot at the market this year.
I know it’s early in the year, but can you share any vendors who are already signed up to table? Yes! Our two primary produce vendors, both of whom sit on our Board of Directors, include Mariah Ford of Haven Hill Farmstead and Greg Cox of Boardman Hill Farm. That's all I can speak to at the moment, but I can also promise that consumers will see fresh flowers, baked goods, a variety of homemade canned goods, hand-crafted skincare, and more!
How do you plan to incorporate feedback from past experiences to improve the market in its new iteration? A lot of the feedback we got when talking to the community involved the timing of the market, which we are taking on in full force by moving the market to Sunday mornings. We also heard the cry for live music loud and clear, and we already have a handful of musicians from across the state who want to participate! For vendors, we can promise we will be advertising like crazy this season.
What measures are being taken to ensure that the rebranded LFM remains a vibrant and integral part of the community for years to come? We want the Ludlow Farmers Market to thrive not only this season, but to continue to grow in years to come. A rebrand was part of that mission - to let people know that we are still here and that we are open to change/growth. We are going to heavily step up our advertising and social media game, which will not only benefit us but our vendors and business neighbors. I'm talking about weekly vendor spotlights, business highlights in our newsletter (yes, we are launching a newsletter!) and more. The move to Depot St. also plays into this picture, of evolving to remain a community staple - locating ourselves in the heart of Ludlow will direct the flow of foot traffic through our business district and encourage more consumer dollars to be spent in town.
What are ways the community can support you? Tell us about the March Block Party! Come to our block party! We are closing down Depot St. in the evening on March 20th to host a block party with small bites offered from local restaurants (Stemwinder, The Eatery, Homestyle, Goodmans), including a farmers market-themed cocktail provided from Main + Mountain! We also have a handful of amazing raffle prizes, including gear/merch from Helly Hansen and Nordica, lift tickets to Okemo, CSA shares and gift cards to our local produce vendors, and more! Tickets are available for $20 in advance (on our website www.ludlowmarket.org) and get you entry to the event + all of the food offerings. Drink tokens and raffle tickets will be available for additional purchase. Proceeds from this fundraiser will directly support vendors this year by allowing us to offer a heavily discounted seasonal rate; this rate reflects our acknowledgement of the devastating July floods as well as incentive for vendors to be as successful as possible in the new era of the Ludlow Farmers Market.
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