Farmers Market Proposed for Milford, Fino Field Possible Location

Fresh produce, baked items and handmade crafts — sold directly from farmer or artist to the customer — have made farmers markets a popular feature of small towns each summer and fall.

Beginning this year, Milford could have its own.

Resident David Morganelli has asked town officials to explain what permits or permission might be required for Milford to host its own farmers market beginning this year, possibly at Fino Field.

Morganelli, an attorney, is a member of the town's Finance Committee. He said in a phone interview that he sent the letter to the Board of Selectmen to see what might be required to establish a farmers market in Milford. He recently learned that Hopkinton's market has thrived for eight years, and thought the idea might be popular in Milford, too.

Fino Field would be a good spot, Morganelli said, because it has ample parking, is close to Main Street and is adjacent to the Milford Upper Charles Trail.

"If we could get people involved, we could do it this summer," Morganelli said. "If not this summer, then the fall."

He is looking at the Hopkinton Farmers Market as a model. The market has a form for farmers to fill out to participate, and a once-a-week structure and central location that Morganelli said could work well in Milford, too.

The markets around Milford are starting to open this month, although most varieties of produce will not be available until later in the summer. Ashland's market opened for the season on Saturday.

The Hopkinton market this year will move from Weston Nurseries to the Hopkinton Town Common. The vendors include Five Loaves Bakery, Heirloom Harvest, Little Beehive Farm, Long Life Farm, Narragansett Creamery, Shady Pine Farm, Tortured Orchard and Water Fresh Farm, according to its website.

Westborough and Grafton, among other towns, also host market event each week. In addition to produce, the markets feature handmade items and crafts including beeswax candles, honey, eggs, fresh lamb, jewelry, bakery items and breads and other products.

Selectmen received a copy of Morganelli's letter June 3. In a phone message, Selectman Chairman Bill Buckley called the idea "great," and said he'd inquired about whether any zoning requirements would be relevant to the event. The town's building commissioner is looking into it, but didn't think the town prohibits these activities.

If any obstacles exist, Buckley said, the town should work to clear them.

"These are the types of things we should encourage," Buckley said.

Morganelli asks anyone interested in the Milford farmers market to contact him at dcm@psh.com.