Small gatherings and events are rising once again to celebrate culture and community, safely and outdoors. With this theme, a pop-up marketplace featuring local artists is being planned for Saturday September 18th from 12-5 at 60 Chestnut Hill Road, Orange.
The Pop up Marketplace is hosted at Forsters Farm, site of the North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival which is on hiatus for 2021. The festival is a fully volunteer effort that requires many months of advance preparations and planning. With safety and collective well being paramount, organizers made the decision that the time was not yet right for the usual huge gathering. But local artists need support (and brighten our lives) more than ever!
The pop-up marketplace on September 18th will feature about twenty local artists familiar to festival goers. Admission and parking are free. There will be a food vendor with light lunch fare, Nalini’s Kitchen from Quabbin Harvest, and Maple Mama will sell their refreshing drinks. Attendees are also welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the beauty of the rolling farm, and should bring their own chair and water. An open mic on the family stage will add casual song and story to the lovely setting. The event will also feature fairy houses to enjoy as you take a stroll, made by children at local libraries during Garlic and Arts sponsored summer workshops with artist Nina Wellen.
Just down the road on this same day, Seeds of Solidarity Farm will hold its second of five consecutive Garlic Saturdays where folks can purchase planting and culinary garlic and enjoy some growing tips and a farm tour. A map of other local attractions will be available at the Pop-up Marketplace, Seeds of Solidarity, and on-line, enticing residents and visitors to enjoy some snacks from a nearby farmstand or country market; take a family hike; or relax with a glass of sweet or hard cider and the stunning view at New Salem Orchards.
The North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival organizers note: “We remain committed to uniting community, promoting skills for resilience, and providing grants to local organizations as this time period is especially important to uphold the values and actions that keep our region strong.” Links to informative and inspiring videos from the 2020 virtual festival and a list of festival grants made to local organizations in 20/21 can be found at http://www.garlicandarts.org. Stay tuned to garlicandarts.org and www.facebook.com/NorthQuabbinGarlicAndArtsFestival for updates about the pop-up marketplace, and to get a list and map of other stops to round out a great day on Sept 18th, or any day in the North Quabbin! Visit seedsofsolidarity.org for info about Garlic Saturdays held Sept 11 to Oct 9th and other programs to grow food and community. Both events are rain or shine.
