On Friday afternoons, the normally drab concrete entranceway to Rockland Town Hall comes alive with the vibrant colors of the harvest. And, a Bridgewater State University student leads the transformation.
“It adds excitement and a little bit of atmosphere,” said Sarah Kane, ’20, a music education major who took over running her hometown farmers market this summer. “We have music. It’s colorful. It’s really cool.”
Vendors offer for sale tomatoes, blueberries, squash and other fruits and vegetables, as well as clothing, makeup, baked goods and honey. Live music adds to the festive “shop local” atmosphere that the Rockland Farmers Market brings to downtown.
Sarah was working as a counselor at the Rockland Youth Commission’s summer camp when her boss thought she would be an excellent fit for the market job. She embraced the challenge.
“It’s totally something new,” Sarah said. “I’ve always just worked with kids.”
Sarah assembles each week’s roster of vendors and ensures businesses pay for their spots. She then oversees market day.
The job allows Sarah to hone her communication and managerial skills. Those will no doubt help her as she pursues her goal to become a music teacher, eventually at the college level.
Sarah chose to attend Bridgewater because she could commute. And, one of her favorite music teachers, Jen Hartnett, is an alumna who spoke highly of the university’s music program. On campus, Sarah performs with a variety of ensembles, including the flute choir and chorale.
While the market will soon end for the season, Sarah hopes to remain involved next summer as she aims to make her town livelier.
“I think it’s a huge benefit just for local businesses in general, and in turn they give a lot to the community,” she said. “It’s a safe place for people to buy stuff or just to get to know each other.”
That’s the recipe for a successful community event, and one brought to you each week by one of BSU’s own.
The market is held from 3 to 6 p.m. Fridays through Sept. 14 outside of Rockland Town Hall, 242 Union St.