Living the Life: Q & A with Meredith Brower, director of the Tiverton Farmers Market
By Sarah Winters
Newport Life talked with director and manager of Tiverton Farmers Market, Meredith Brower, ahead of their Thanksgiving Cranberry-Craze Market. The specialty market will be open on Sunday, November 24th from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to be in the Newport area?
A: I was born and raised in Tiverton and I actually moved back to the family farm about 16 years ago to take care of my mom after my dad passed away. We are on a 30-acre vegetable farm in South Tiverton. I worked for the Newport Daily News, Newport Life Magazine and Newport Mercury as a photographer and production artist for 9 years. I got to see and meet and photograph Newport and Aquidneck Island on assignments and got to know the town very well.
Q: Why did you start the Tiverton Farmer’s market?
A: We started the Tiverton Farmers Market in June of 2020 under the veil of Covid-19 out of a need to connect the local community to fresh and local vegetables and foods, which we did. We had a very successful summer and once we surveyed the vendors after the summer season, they all wanted to continue on throughout the winter. As the state and Covid shut down all events, we were able to continue because we were considered an essential food market. So, we did just that. We pushed on through and now we are a full season farmers market.
We just turned four years old in May of 2024. We offer 48 markets a year on Sundays, and 8 specialty markets focused around seasonal food and the holidays. For example, the Strawberry Social in June, The Summa Sizzla in September, and the Garlic Roast in October. Our next big idea is to have a market based around chocolate for Valentine’s Day in February.
Q: Why is community organizing, in support of local farmers and artisans, important to you?
A: All farmers markets are more than just a food market. Rhode Island farmers markets have become a social hub for people to meet and shop in a safe environment. It is a place where the community can learn about where your food comes from, who is preparing it, and what are the best cooking practices. You get to talk to the vendors, the cooks, the chefs, the farmers, and most often the owner and talent behind the farm or business. You get a direct connection to the local food chain. Not to mention that the nutritional value of vegetables and foods from the markets are much higher and fresher than your standard big box market. So, this community is very important.
Q: How do you get vendors for the farmer’s market? Do most come back every weekend?
A: We have approximately 120 rotating vendors. Many of our vendors have been with us right from the beginning. We do have an application and a jury process. There are specific requirements that are needed to be part of the market. We also work with other market managers to refer any new vendors who might be a good fit.
We try to curate markets based primarily on food and food related items. We add a few artisans who are food related to the market – for instance cutting boards, functional pottery, and alpaca products. We are always looking for great food, vendors and food makers. You can reach out to tivertonfarmersmarket@gmail.com and connect with us about joining the market.
Q: How would you describe the Thanksgiving Cranberry-Craze to someone who hasn’t been to it in the past?
A: The Thanksgiving Cranberry Craze specialty market is a lot of fun. We strive to have a relaxed vibe with lots of laughs and highlight our amazing vendors. We want the atmosphere to be light and casual, so patrons feel comfortable and welcome. As most people come into the main school cafetorium their eyes light up when they see all the wonderful vendors, hear the live music and the bustling of buying. Our larger food events bring people from the surrounding region, tourists and locals alike. We all get to try new foods surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday with a highlight on cranberries. It’s quite exciting.
Q: What was your favorite part of last year’s market? What excites you the most for this year’s?
A: My favorite part of last year‘s markets were definitely our specialty markets. We had an amazing strawberry shortcake social outside at the Tiverton Town Farm Recreational Area last June. We sold 400 bowls of strawberry shortcake with whipped cream. We also had our inaugural Summa Sizzla (gotta say it with a heavy RI accent) and in October we had our Annual Garlic Roast. The most exciting part is hearing that people are trying new foods and get really jazzed about fresh and more importantly LOCAL foods.
2025 is about growth, stability and visioning more food events. We are excited about more offerings, more programming and more innovative ideas.
Q: What’s another upcoming event for the Tiverton Farmer’s Market?
A: Once the Cranberry Crazes market is over, we shift gears to our Annual Christmas Market on December 22nd. No time for rest during this holiday season, nope…… We then move right into 2025 and our Valentines Market in February. (Who doesn’t love chocolate and sweets…?!)
(Remember, we’re a full season market so we function every Sunday. We take off the week of Christmas, the week of New Year’s and the Sunday of Easter.)
Q: What is a challenge you have had to overcome whether in a leadership role or otherwise?
A: Our biggest challenge is the weather in the summer months. Last season [2023] we had 19 rainy weekends of our 26 summer week season. I think we had to cancel one week because of high winds from an offshore hurricane. We also don’t have a permanent home that we can use as a backup on inclement days. Our long term plan is to buy our own piece of land and raise a barn facility that we can call home. We will be fundraising in the next few years to work towards that goal. We are always looking for sponsorships, working on grants and will soon be able to accept donations.
Q: Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving recipe?
A: One of my all-time favorite dishes and not just for the Thanksgiving season is roasted vegetables. I cannot get enough. Fortunately, the Neighborhood Farm out of Westport, Mass. brings an enormous array of vegetables to the market each week and we get the freshest selection.
Q: What are some of your favorite things to do during the holiday season in and around Tiverton?
A: Some of my favorite events are the Bright Night event on December 6th at Historic Tiverton Four Corners and the Re-Tree Competition. These two events kickstart the holiday season for me with festivities, bright lights, and socializing. The neighborhood is all a buzz. It all just gets you in the mood for the holidays. We also hope to get our Christmas tree from Clark’s Tree Farm on Main Road in Tiverton and shop their seasonal offerings in their store. They sell out fast, so we got to get there early.
Read more installments from our Living the Life series, spotlighting people and happenings around town.
