By Estelle De Zan (news correspondent)
The day lolled to an end. People fanned their faces and weaved in and out of the market stands in search of shade as they perused the assortment of goods for sale.
Vendors were sitting down, most of them accompanied by a partner, engaging in small talk and smiling at passersby. Their booths occupied an open lot on 460 Harrison Avenue in the heart of the SoWa Art + Design District. Each tent was carefully curated to be reflective of their brand.
The winner of USA Today’s ‘Best Art District’ contest in 2015, the SoWa Open Market is now in its 15th season. A well favored Sunday pastime known to Bostonians and visitors alike, it’s the city’s largest celebration of local artisans, farmers, food trucks, brewers and musicians. Vibrant and alive every Sunday from May to October, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the neighborhood houses galleries, boutiques, art studios and the SoWa Vintage Market.
Toward the entrance, a guitarist strummed along to alternative rock covers. Tables were arranged before him where people engaged in what seemed to be the most popular event of the day, people watching.
One of the first vendors featured at the market, David Gilson, leads a family farm called the Herb Lyceum. He also manages the farmer and specialty food part of the market.
“When I go travel around, whether I go to Europe or across the country, I always go to farmers markets, which gives me a sense of what products are from the area,” Gilson explained.
A bearded man sold kombucha, his table adorned with empty glass bottles. Another stand radiated a soft yellow glow, displaying plethora of handcrafted beeswax candles. Several stands also catered to baked goods for people with dietary restrictions, namely vegan and gluten-free options.
Toward the far back of the market, Fuad Ndibalema paced behind his stand and served up fried dough with variations of potatoes, meat and cheese. The words, “SamosaMan” were printed out in bold on his tent.
Ndibalema, goes to a selection of markets in Boston nearly every day. This was his first year as a vendor at the SoWa market, but he’s there on a weekly basis.
“It’s excitement,” Ndibalema said, his eyes gleaming. “Their faces are so happy. This is what it’s all about.”
According to its website, where vendor applications, upcoming events and general information are found, the market is branded as a “celebration of local makers”. The Arts Market featured an array of handmade goods, many of which include jewelry, clothing, paintings and ceramics.
Found next door, the Farmers Market accommodated a number of Massachusetts-based farmers, bakers and specialty food makers along with a food truck bazaar and the SoWa Beer Barn.
Michaela Tobin is a fifth-year political science and international affairs major at Northeastern who just started working at Gilson’s stand.
“People in Boston get excited about the farmers market because in other countries they’re more like a grocery store, it’s every day,” said Tobin. “But in Boston you go more like, ‘Oh this is fun because I’m buying my groceries from a market.’ And they’re fresher than Stop and Shop.”
