The West Tisbury Farmers’ Market opened its 2025 season on Saturday morning at the Agricultural Hall, with over 40 local vendors setting up shop.
Despite the chill in the air, opening day buzzed with familiar energy. Tents popped up as farmers, florists, bakers and many others unpacked their carefully tended goods. With the season officially underway, the market once again came alive as a vibrant and timeless gathering place.
“I used to help my friend sell popsicles here when we were little girls with our moms,” said Emma Tobin, standing behind her table of herbal remedies at Tea Lane Apothecary. “It’s a community I’ve always been part of as a kid, and wanted to be part of as an adult.”
Ms. Tobin, who grew up on the Island, studied botany and herbalism before returning to start her own line of wellness products, using plants she either grows herself or gathers from around the Island. She says the market never feels like a job.
“All of the farmers take care of each other,” she said. “It feels like I’m coming to hang out with my friends all day, and that’s the best feeling in the world.”
The market is now in its 51st year and runs from 9 a.m. to noon every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the summer and fall. Each season brings back beloved staples like Morning Glory Farm, Whippoorwill Farm and Khen’s Eggrolls, as well as welcoming newcomers.
“Most of the vendors know each other and support each other,” said Rebecca Sanders of Whippoorwill Farm. “It’s really inspiring to be here and see all the beautiful products and all the hard work that people are putting into growing for the community.”
For some, the tradition runs deep. Lydia Fisher of The Garden Farm said selling at the market is part of her family’s history.
“My family did it for so many years,” she said. “To do it now and give it back to the community that raised me means a lot. It brings up so many memories — it really evokes childhood memories of togetherness.”
That sense of care is evident in the details. Cathy Peters, who runs Mimi’s Hitting the Sauce with her husband, still fills every bottle of hot sauce by hand.
“Everybody has their own unique thing,” she said. “That’s the fun part about it.”
As the morning continued, shoppers browsed through the season’s early greens and herbs, ordered dumplings for breakfast and lingered to chat with friends.
“Sometimes it’s hard to make money here because I just want to support everybody,” Ms. Tobin joked. “There are such great products.”
The West Tisbury Farmers Market takes place Saturdays and Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Agricultural Hall.
Comments
Comment policy »