By Michele Taranto

The 2025 Norwood Farmers Market (NFM) season ended with remnants of a windy, rainy Nor’easter storm on Oct. 14; it was heat, however, that vendors and staff endured throughout the summer, but still the loyal shoppers came. For 18 weeks, June 17-Oct. 18, 2-6 p.m., on Tuesday afternoons, the Norwood Town Common was filled with produce, food, flowers, artisan vendors, organizations, shoppers, children, entertainment, karate demonstrations, and lots of dogs! The NFM drew people of all ages, be it for the food, lively entertainment, games, special events, and definitely lots of fun and laughter!

From its positive attendance numbers each of the four years since its post-Covid resurrection, an outdoor market is just what the town wanted and needed. Many who visited even drove from outside Norwood’s borders once word got out of the Market’s great reputation, quantity, quality, and variety of vendors, just to experience the Norwood’s healthy and vibrant vibe.

This year, three local farmers displayed their fresh produce on the Town Common. Sacred Mushrooms returned educating visitors on the benefits of their harvest, Jordan’s Fish again provided a fresh protein for dinner as well as the Pumpkin Farm for meat and chicken, and cookies, sweets, bread, and jams were on hand to round out the meal. But that is not all that the Market had to offer. There were many artisans selling their homemade items, local restaurants hosted food tastings, organizations shared information, and the Morrill Memorial Library sold books to young and old.

Event days were also extremely popular with Pet Day, the 4th of July celebration, National Farmers Market Day, Football Opening Day, and the most popular, Pumpkinfest, to close out the season! The Market’s entertainment was also the best around with bands, soloists, and LG Martial Arts’ performance was a fan favorite for both kids and parents.

Shout outs to the Norwood Department of Public Works for faithfully placing signs throughout town each week, Norwood Light Broadband who was readily available with electrical needs, and especially to the many volunteers, both high school students and adults, who assisted vendors setting up and breaking down their displays. Their assistance reflects the many reasons Norwood is a favored stop on shopper’s schedules. New vendors were even requesting a spot up to the last day due to Norwood’s remarkable reputation.

In addition to the NFM staff, volunteers, vendors, and shoppers, thanks are extended to the many sponsors who, with their generous donations, allowed the NFM to flourish again this season.

Market Sponsors

Nucar

DCD Automotive Holdings

Gold Level

Norwood Gardens & Norwest Woods

CHR Apartments

Silver Level

Dedham Savings

Commonwealth Fireplace

Pixel Artists Design

Norwood Light & Broadband

Bronze Level

Clean Remodel

One Bistro at Four Points by Sheraton Norwood

OneLocal Bank

Susan Lewis

Patrons

OneLocal Bank

Susan Lewis

Community Partners

Friends of Norwood Center

Neponset River Regional Chamber

Norwood Sustainability Commission

Norwood Recreation Department

Norwood Department of Public Works

With Norwood’s centrally-located, picturesque Town Common, the Central Ave. picnic area, and the Norwood Farmers Market, Tuesday afternoons were the place to be in Town for four and a half months. Be it a hot summer day, or a cool breezy afternoon, tents were flapping, music was playing, voices were talking, sharing, and laughing. All that, while also learning about and purchasing fresh produce from local farms and hand-crafted or all natural goods. The Norwood slogan ‘Buy Local, Eat Health, Build Community,’ checks all the boxes at the Norwood Farmers Market!

Ideas are already in the planning stages for next year’s market…stay tuned Norwood! To remain in the know about the Norwood Farmers Market during the off season, like their Facebook page at NorwoodMAFarmersMarket!.