TEWKSBURY — The farmers market brings together vendors and community members in a way that seems to strip away the stress and strain of the day and just lets people focus on camaraderie and support of local businesses. There is also an undercurrent of awareness that vendors share, perhaps spurred on by the Tewksbury Library Community garden’s presence, that a segment of the population may not be able to enjoy the market themselves.
Enter Chris Colantuonio of Tewksbury Greenery and Florist.
“I had the idea, along with fellow vendor Lisa Dooling of NYK Organics, to do something to help raise money for the food pantry,” he said.
Colantuonio kicked around a few ideas with market organizer Jeannine Tamboli and came up with the Punkin’ Dunkin’ event.
“We wanted to do something fun that would involve the kids,” Tamboli said.
For a $4 donation, kids could fish for a mini pumpkin and decorate it. Joyce Hamlyn, Baldwin Service Unit Director for Tewksbury and Wilmington Girl Scouts brought the craft supplies. Tewksbury Greenery donated the pumpkins. The Tewksbury Library Community Garden donated a basket of veggies along with their cookbook, and locally grown apples.
Long time vendor Kristin Carmody of KC Styles loves the market.
“We just have so much fun here,” she said.
Diane D’Allessandro of Scents Delivered comes from Billerica to participate in the market.
“I have repeat customers who come here to find me and it is great to talk with people,” she said.
All proceeds from the pumpkin decorating were presented directly to Jen Karp at the market. Karp is on the board of the Tewksbury Food Pantry and is an active member of the Tewksbury Library garden. The library garden sells its produce at the market and proceeds go directly to the pantry. Vegetables may also be purchased on Wednesdays inside the library.
Tewksbury residents are reminded that the need for food is present all year ’round for the most vulnerable neighbors, not just at the holidays or in winter. The pumpkin decorating will continue at the Tuesday, Oct. 3 market as well, from 4 - 7 p.m. and people are encouraged to bring their kids down to fish for a pumpkin for a worthy cause.
