Templeton to pair farmers market with gazebo concerts; site and vendor logistics still being finalized

The Templeton Agriculture Commission discussed on June 2 plans to align the town farmers market with a series of gazebo concerts to increase visibility and customer traffic.

"We did coordinate with the concerts that are to be held in the gazebo, and we received our schedule of when those concerts are to be held," Carrie Novak said, adding that the markets and concerts include rain dates and that the Town of Templeton Facebook page will promote the summer market.

Commissioners said the preliminary schedule covers four dates in June, July, August and September and that the market will likely be at the common near the gazebo. Novak said she and the commission will work with Jackie Prime, director of community services, to finalize vendor placement and accessibility so customers do not have to cross a busy road to reach vendors.

Members suggested placing vendors along the perimeter of the common or on the Wellington Road side near First Church to keep concertgoers and market visitors from crossing traffic and to allow vehicle access for deliveries. "If you set up on that side, it gives you visibility, and you're still nobody that's at the concert has to cross to get to you," one member said.

Commissioners also noted the variety of vendor types that might participate, including seafood and meat CSAs, and that last year vendors and customers had to cross a busy road to reach the market. No formal site decision was made; Novak said staff will continue planning with the director of community services to aim for visibility and convenience for vendors and shoppers.