(PITTSFIELD, Mass.) – The City of Pittsfield is collaborating with Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and Alchemy Initiative to establish a large new farmer’s and artisans market on First Street, across the Common, in a city-owned parking lot. The Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market will kick off on Saturday, May 11, 2013, from 9am to 1pm and will continue every Saturday through October 26, 2013. The new Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market is designed to be a lively community hub and gathering place that offers artisan vendors, entertainment, food trucks, and special events, along with access to fresh, locally produced food.

Over twenty farmers, food producers and artisans have all ready signed up to be a part of the inaugural year of the Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market, and applications continue to arrive.  Farmer and food producer vendors already accepted into the market include Berkshire Mountain Bakery, Bug Hill Farm, Climbing Tree Farm, Dutch Desserts, Elmartin Farm, For the Love of Pie, Green Meads Farm, Hilltop Orchards, Holiday Brook Farm, How We Roll, Row by Row Farm, Wildstone Farm, Windy Ridge Farm, and Wyomanock Farm. Artisans include Ali Herrmann, Elena Loves, JK Custom Furniture & Design, The Petal Collection, and Wheel and Loom.

Alchemy Initiative, a local community nonprofit devoted to encouraging sustainability and creativity, will serve as the Market Manager. Jess Conzo, the Director of Alchemy Initiative, said, “We have been thrilled by the very positive response from local farmers and food producers, community members and artisans. There is a lot of enthusiasm, interest, and support in the new market. It’s very exciting!” She continued, “It’s a terrific location: lots of free convenient parking, high visibility, easy access to public transportation, and across from a beautiful park where families can picnic.”

The City of Pittsfield recently received a grant from the Green Pastures Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation for the farmers market.

The farmer’s market is one of many city initiatives to help community members live healthier lives. Last year a two-mile walking loop debuted downtown and community gardens in schools and neighborhoods are flourishing. Representatives of both the West Side and Morningside Neighborhood Initiatives sit on the farmer’s market steering committee to encourage local residents use of the market. “It’s very important that Pittsfield residents have access to fresh, locally grown vegetables, fruits, and prepared foods, especially our youth,” noted Pittsfield Mayor Daniel Bianchi.

The Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market is continuing to take vendor applications through April 25, and afterwards if space allows. Inquiries from potential sponsors, performers, and civic organizations are also welcomed. For more information and food producer and artisan vendor applications, please visit Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market, call 413.443.6501 or email info@farmersmarketpittsfield.org.