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Milton Farmers Market at crossroads

New volunteers needed to continue
October 19, 2016

Milton may miss its weekly farmers market next year if organizers are unable to recruit more volunteers.

Milton Farmers Market President Patti Nicholson said at least five to 10 new volunteers are needed to keep up with the demands of setting up and breaking down the market, held every Friday from April to October.

“Administratively, we're fine,” Nicholson said. “Our primary concern going forward is the need for additional volunteers. That's what it comes down to.”

The Milton Farmers Market closed its sixth season Oct. 7 with Oktoberfest at Dogfish Head Brewery, where the market relocated in 2016. Previously, the market had been held at the Milton Historical Society lot at the corner of Magnolia and Union streets.

“The market is a valuable asset to Milton,” said volunteer and board member Judy Shandler. “We think it's just the best of Milton, really. It's a congenial and healthy way to spend a Friday afternoon.”

Nicholson said it's not clear where the market will be for the 2017 season, if it returns at all.

“If nothing happens and we go into spring next year, and all of a sudden people say, 'Where's the farmers market?' we're going to say we didn't get the community support we needed,” she said. “The market can't function without volunteers.”

Nicholson said current volunteers are struggling to keep up with the demands of running a market, and health and family issues have reduced the ranks of volunteers.

“It's an all-volunteer staff, so unless we can get replacements, we're going to have to seriously look at whether it makes sense to continue with a smaller group,” Nicholson said.

Nicholson credited Dogfish Head Craft Brewing as the market's major sponsor. If enough people volunteer to sustain the market, she said, discussions are ongoing as to whether it will return to Dogfish.

“There are a number of questions that we need answers for before heading into next year's market,” she said.

The future of the market remains uncertain, but organizers are still planning to hold the Harvest Market from 12-4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, at the Dogfish lot. Nicholson said a volunteer recruitment event will be held at the Milton Public Library in the near future.

For more information or to become a volunteer, go to miltondefarmersmarket.org or call Nicholson at 302-329-9566.

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