CHICOPEE, Mass. There are two farmers markets in Chicopee and they've both been a huge hit in the city.
Once a week, you'll find fresh produce, food, and entertainment in downtown Chicopee at the Center Fresh Farmers' Market.
Lynn Golan, a herbalist with The People's Gold is among the vendors there. Golan is selling herbal remedies and said she is here to help increase access to this type of medicine to people who may have not had it before.
"I know that it can be hard for people living in the city without means of transportation to get out into nature, so it is great I can bring it to them," said Golan.
Just like this farmers market helps residents, it also helps local businesses. Jack Wysocki is just one example. Wysocki had a hydroponic farm in a warehouse in Springfield where he grew lettuce. When COVID hit and took away markets, he rallied together with other vendors to sell online. Now he is happy to be back out in the community, selling a variety of products from other local vendors.
"I think that the City of Chicopee is trying to revitalize the downtown area, so it important for people to see that businesses can thrive here," said Wysocki. "We are doing great, or I wouldn't be here."
Center Fresh Market takes place every Thursday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 31 Springfield Street in Chicopee from now until October. Valley Opportunity Council's Farmers' Market is every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. under the I-391 underpass in Willimansett until September.