Dear Cape Ann Farmers Market Friends,
Started in 2006 by a group of volunteers who wanted to purchase and enjoy local food while making it accessible to the whole community, the Cape Ann Farmers Market (CAFM) is about to conclude its 14th season.
Since our beginning, numerous local farmers and small food businesses have gotten their start at CAFM. Many have moved-on to open brick-and-mortar storefronts and regional distribution networks.
CAFM is truly an example of what it means to generate ‘home grown’ local success stories.
I was one of the early volunteers back in 2006 who envisioned a thriving community gathering space where farmers and food producers would connect directly with the residents of Cape Ann. I was also one of the people who hired Farmers Market Director, Niki Bogin.
At the end of 2019, Niki will be stepping down after 12 years leading the market and making it what it is today: a Gloucester institution. During her tenure Niki has attracted more than 20 farmers, helping to preserve over 700 acres of local farmland, and attracted over 100 food producers and micro businesses to sell at the Cape Ann Farmers Market.
When CAFM began, not one participating farm was physically located on Cape Ann. Since 2007 more than 1⁄2 of CAFM’s farmers have been local, using the Market as a platform to get established and/or expand. Furthermore, Cape Ann Farmers Market has partnered with/or hosted over 50 local non-profits to help them publicize their efforts. Backyard Growers, Art Haven’s Teen Artist Guild, and the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance’s Cape Ann Fresh Catch and Seafood Throwdown all got their start through CAFM.
Niki is excited to pass the baton to the next Farmers Market Director, Courtney Ayer, who will assume the director role effective January 1, 2020. Courtney and CAFM’s volunteer leadership team are eager to build on Niki’s success and take CAFM into the future.
In celebration of the Cape Ann Farmers Market and how aptly Niki has grown this Gloucester institution, please join me in renewing your membership today!
Not only will your membership help CAFM to end 2019 on strong financial footing, but membership entitles you to great savings all year long on delicious foods and products around town. Please use the following link to review the benefits of membership and pay online. Please seriously consider membership at the $50 or $100 level.
https://www.capeannfarmersmarket.org/support
I know you’ll agree with me in saying that the Cape Ann community, local farmers, and small food businesses are all better off because of Niki Bogin’s tireless dedication. Thank you, Niki! And thank YOU for standing with me as an enthusiastic fan of the Cape Ann Farmers Market: now and heading into the next decade of our success.
Sincerely,
Melissa A. Dimond, cofounder of CAFM and CAFM Advisory Committee member
**Holiday Special**
Get your $50 membership before the end of 2019 and get a bonus $5 to spend on anything at CAFM!
Click the link below to get your membership today and help keep CAFM strong. Membership perks at local Cape Ann businesses and restaurants make it easy to make back your investment – and they make a great holiday gift!
https://www.capeannfarmersmarket.org/support
Cape Ann Community 