Swampscott Farmers Market Swarmed

Soon after the cow bell rang at the Swampscott Farmers Market vendors saw their goods swept up by visitors.

The sweep was so complete at Big Sky Bread that the owners left early, at 11:30 am, vowing to return next Sunday with more bread.

Farmers Market volunteer Harold Rottenberg said the bakery sold some 150 to 200 loaves — in 90 minutes.

The refrain was similar elsewhere in the Swampscott High parking lot. Vendors surprise was matched by their delight at the huge turnout.  They promised to return with a greater stock of goods next week.

Among them was Andy Varela of Maitland Mountain Farm in Salem.

He sold out of mixed greens, radishes, beets and Holly's Spicy Pickles in 40 minutes.

By 11:30 am all he had left was flowers including Russian sage, salvia, coriander and mustard.

Earlier, at 10 am, the cow bell's clang signalled the market's opening. Later, at 1 pm, the tents were folded.

In between, hundreds milled the lot, chatting with friends, eyeballing crafts, meats, fish and ice cream and enjoying music and sunshine.

The sun had plenty of shine and the musicians plenty of songs.

The Arnie Rosen and Andrea Rupert Duo played an array of instruments from banjo to stand-up bass, and to mandolin and guitar for good measure.

Their set included American Songbook numbers Bye Bye Blackbird and It's Only a Paper Moon and the traditional Irish song The Rights of Man, and the Venezuelan waltz San Rafael.

The market was a singing success, said town officials and customers alike.

New Town Administrator Tom Younger arrived with his wife and son and a tote.

The market is about more than food and goods, he said, before chatting with a few residents.

"It's meeting people and enjoying the camaraderie," he said.

Recreation Director Danielle Strauss was energized by the turnout.

"I can't believe what a great success it was," she said. "It just tells you what a need there was in town for a farmers market."

The need was met through a shared vision of organizers and volunteers including those on the Recreation Commission, said Selectman Glenn Kessler, who helped spearhead the market effort.

On Sunday volunteers including Meredith Freed sported white Swampscott Farmers Market shirts designed by volunteer Mai-Lis Tria.

The design includes a sprout, soil and roots symbolizing the market's beginning as it establishes roots in the community, said the designer.

Customers Joel Sapp and Kim and Peg Martin-Epstein welcomed the market's roots.

Joel had a brisket, tomato and salmon in his bag.

He also bought salmon and a crab roll from Cherry Street Fish Market.

The Martin-Epsteins' haul included cheese and pastries.

Beatrice, their 21/2-year-old daughter, was in ice cream heaven with her cone.

Town Administrative Assistant Maureen Shultz and her husband found a picnic lunch — wine, cheese, crackers and coconut cupcakes — and were ready to toast the sunny day and the market's fine start.

The market will be open Sundays from 10 am to 1 pm in the Swampscott High School parking lot through mid-October.