Belfast Farmers' Market Celebrates 45 Years

Belfast Farmer’s Market Celebrates 45 Years

of Fresh Local Food, Farmers, and Makers

Anniversary Celebration on August 29 at Waterfall Arts in Belfast, Maine

Belfast, Maine — The Belfast Farmer’s Market, one of Maine’s longest-running and most beloved farmers’ markets, is proud to announce its 45th anniversary celebration on Friday, August 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event will take place at the market’s Spring/Summer home at the Waterfall Arts Building, 256 High Street in Belfast.

Since its founding in 1980, the Belfast Farmer’s Market has been a cornerstone of the Midcoast community, bringing together local farmers, food producers, and artisans to offer fresh, high-quality, locally grown and crafted products. Every Friday, year-round, shoppers can find everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to baked goods, dairy, meats, flowers, and handmade goods—all while connecting directly with the people who grow and create them.

The 45th anniversary celebration will highlight the market’s commitment to, and appreciation for, the community - with a full slate of special activities, including:

• FREE Basket Raffle – Customers can enter to win a basket brimming with goods from participating vendors. Entries will be accepted at the Market Info booth both this week and next (one entry per person, per week). The winner will be drawn toward the end of the anniversary event on August 29, with arrangements made for pickup.

• Live Screen Printing with Little Chair Screen Printing – Bring your own t-shirts, totes, or other items to print on-site – a limited number of totes will be available for the first 50 customers. A fun, interactive way to take home a piece of market history!

• Pop-Up Photo Booth – Local photographer Christina (Chris) St. Pierre will offer free mini-Polaroids and digital copies by email, while sharing moments from the day on the market’s social media channels.

• MFFM Harvest Bowls Fundraiser – The Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets will host Harvest Bowls to raise awareness and funds for programs supporting food access for low- and no-income Mainers.

• Games and Family Activities – From cornhole and giant tic-tac-toe to Connect Four and checkers, there will be plenty of fun for all ages.

“The Belfast Farmer’s Market has always been more than just a place to shop—it’s a gathering space that celebrates local agriculture and community,” said James Gagne, president of the Board Belfast Farmer’s Market. “We’re thrilled to honor 45 years of tradition and to thank the customers who continue to support local farmers and producers every week.”

Jimmy DeBiasi of the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets emphasized the importance of the Harvest Bowls fundraiser as part of the celebration:

“Food is a basic right, not a privilege. The Belfast Farmer’s Market has been a model for connecting local farms with the community, and the Harvest Bowls fundraiser is a reminder that we must also ensure everyone in Maine has access to nourishing food—no matter their income,” said DeBiasi.

The anniversary celebration is free and open to the public. Everyone is invited to stop by, shop, and enjoy the festivities!

About the Belfast Farmer’s Market
Founded in 1980, the Belfast Farmer’s Market is one of Maine’s oldest and most established farmers’ markets. Open every Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. year-round, the market hosts a diverse group of local farmers and producers offering fresh, seasonal, and sustainably produced goods. The market is currently located at the Waterfall Arts Building in Belfast, Maine.