Time to crow, Pawtuxet Farmers Market opens for season

Warwick Beacon ·

The Pawtuxet Village Farmers Market opened for another season Saturday, drawing a good turnout of masked shoppers looking for fresh greens, fish and just baked goodies.

Some were also looking to meet up with Mo, who in the past two years has become somewhat of the market mascot. Mo is a friendly white rooster from gC Farms from Coventry. He doesn’t stray from the gC stand, but his alert, plucky disposition and curiosity make him a favorite.

That was of concern to Gwen Mezak and her husband, Chris, who run the farm. She feared Mo might attract a crowd and cause people to forget proper social distancing, so Mo stayed home for the opening. He may yet make appearances, Mezak thought.

The gC stand was quickly cleaned out of spinach. The Mezaks also had strawberry plant “starts” and will have an assortment of other vegetable starts available for purchase this Saturday. Mezak said the farm is dependent on farmers markets for the sale of its produce.

Gwen said most of the greens sold at this time of year come from “high tunnels” or hoop houses that would get as warm as 90 degrees during what has been a chilly April.

Among the regular shoppers was Bob Campbell, who wore a mask with a giant smile. As he waited for his order of shrimp and scallops to be filled, he outlined plans for a backyard cookout with along with steak and corn.

Christina Dedora of Blue Skys Farm and Sanctuary Herbs was pleased to be back for her 15th season at the Pawtuxet Farmers Market, which opens at 9 a.m. on Saturdays and runs until noon. The market is set up along the entrance to Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. Instead of being oriented to the road, as it has been, it has been turned around to face the parking lot, allowing for additional distancing between shoppers.

Christina even lowered her mask to reveal a broad smile. Spring and the return of the market had that effect on people Saturday.

(Text and photos by John Howell)