Due to unforeseen construction, the summer [1] Exeter Farmers’ Market, opening on May 5th, needs to move. There will be a selectmen’s meeting Monday evening, April 25th, to consider alternative locations for the season. From the [2] Seacoast Growers Association:

The Exeter farmers’ market is moving. Due to the deterioration of some [3] culverts, the beautiful Swasey Parkway can no longer be home to our market.  [4] On Monday night, April 25th,  the selectmen of the town of Exeter will discuss and possibly vote on where to put the market. We need the people of Exeter to come out and support the best option. The Exeter Farmers’ Market is the second largest farmer’s market in the New Hampshire Seacoast, with 39 farmers, crafters and food artisans selling their fine locally produced wares.  It has become a destination for not only Exeter residents but for customers that come from as far as Sandown and Gloucester, MA weekly to shop. We believe that the market’s success is in no small part due to the hard work and collaboration of town officials, and people of Exeter supporting their downtown farmers’ market. We think that keeping the market downtown is key to its future success. We are optimistic that we can find another great location, but we need to act soon!

Here are three of the options that will be discussed at the meeting:

1.[5] Front Street

This option is to close off the east side of Front Street by the bandstand. It has considerable support from the community and some town officials. We think this is the best option as it would really benefit and bring business to other downtown merchants. It would take up a few two-hour parking spaces, but it would also be beneficial for the Thursday night Summer Concert Series, which will now be held in the small green area on Bow Street.

2. [6] String Bridge

This option is to close off String Bridge between Water Street and the Library. Closing String Bridge would not take up any parking spaces, and also interfere less with traffic patterns as this road does not have heavy traffic.

3. [7] Bow Street parking lot

This option is to close off the back section of the parking lot by Bow Street. While closing off a parking lot would not interfere with traffic, it is not favorable because it would take away valuable parking spaces for both town merchants and the Farmers’ Market, plus decrease the visibility of the farmers’ market.