Templeton — Members of the Templeton Agricultural Commission discussed Oct. 6 ways to revive the town’s farmers market after low vendor and buyer turnout this year.

"We originally started holding the market, I would say, about 5 years ago," Commission Chair Carrie Novak said, describing a market that began near the library during the COVID era and later moved to the common to coincide with Templeton Cultural Council concerts. "We again partnered with the, Templeton Cultural Council, and we held our farmers market before and during the concerts on the common. I think the location was drastically improved."

Novak told the informational meeting the market has struggled to sustain weekly attendance and vendors. "A weekly 1, I think, is not sustainable for us," she said. She also told residents that, in her view, "for the state to recognize you as a farmer's market, you need to have at least, 2 farmers that attend."

Commission member Andre Chartier said he liked pairing the market with the concert and the new common location. "I like the fact that you did it with the concert. I like the new location," Chartier said. The commissioners discussed signage, partnering more closely with the Cultural Council, inviting food trucks or vendors such as ice-cream trucks, and encouraging youth or small entrepreneurs to take tables at occasional markets.

Novak said the commission does not charge a booth fee and has no budget to hire a market master, and she invited residents to offer suggestions via her Facebook page or YouTube comments. The commission plans to revisit the topic ahead of the 2026 market season and will bring it up at future meetings.