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GRAFTON, Mass. - Fire Star Liquors will be adding something a little less alcoholic to their wares: fresh produce.
The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday granted a peddler's permit to Dennis Walsh of Charlton, who will set up a farm stand in the Worcester Street liquor store's parking lot to sell fresh produce throughout the summer.
"I have trucks that go to farms seven days a week so it will be fresh daily," said Walsh, who operates several other small farm stands in Central Mass.
Walsh is working with Five Star Liquors owner Kirti Patel to set up shop for the farm stand, which he expects will open around June 20.
"We won't start until the sweet corn is available," Walsh said.
The stand will be open daily through Labor Day. Walsh said the bulk of his produce comes from farms in the Connecticut River Valley, although he said he would be willing to work with Grafton-area farmers who might want to sell their wares there.
Comments (9)
Peddlers permit - is it spelled out what is allowed to be sold at this farmstand? just produce? meat and produce? chicken feed, meat, and produce? All of the above and products related to the smoking of tobacco?
How long until the BlueBlockers and oriental rugs are hanging with a big banner 'as seen on TV'? At least we have the sign bylaw to fall back on.
Just another thought... the old Rite Aid is still wide open right?
Maybe someone could start holding an indoor/outdoor farmers/produce market at this location?
--or some kind of niche local grocery store?
Yes, the Rite Aid building is still unoccuppied. However, the DPW is considering moving there. Lots of space. Just add a few garage doors for their vehicles. Easy parking. Nice central location.
You heard it here first!
Wow, I never would've thought of that.
Good for them, I guess - it's a free country - but that lot is tough to get in and out of as it is. I'll stick to Houldens or Foppema's or any other local farm that sells it where it's grown.
I love fresh produce, but why would I buy CT produce from 5 Star Liquors when I can just go get it from one of Grafton's local farms, like Houlden Farms?
Now, if Mr. Walsh started selling Grafton produce... I might be able to support that, but I'm still a bit unsure about that location...
I can't wait to be able to buy the leftovers/seconds that Stop and Shop and the rest of the supermarkets turn down. All from a roadside stand that will be in an already dangerous parking lot.
And I can't wait to see Oingo Boingo there also!
So much excitement in Grafton. I hope it looks like the one on Route 20 across from the dancing lady place.
Will the criminal Uncle Onyango be manning the produce?