Due to bad vacation planning on my part, I actually missed the opening day of the Westford Farmers Market last Tuesday. I haven't missed one since the market opened 4 seasons ago.

There is just something so special about opening day - people airing out their market totes, children running around happily, farms laying out their early produce, satisfying your craving for those fresh ravioli from the pasta man, and meeting all the new vendors. Not to mention I have made it a good excuse to get away from my work desk and soak in the sunshine for a bit.

Instead I had to go to Disney World. Big bummer! *grin*

So needless to say, I was very excited for this week's market since it would be MY opening day. Grabbing my market tote and camera I happily crossed onto the town common and was instantly swept back into the spirit of the market. People airing out their totes - check. Children running around happily - double check. Farms (yup), ravioli (definitely), new vendors (awesome), leaving work behind (yahoo).

It was a really wonderful homecoming. So, here is a quick list of what I bought and what I am excited to explore more of this season:

• Red pepper and fontina ravioli (my fave!) and, as a bonus, Vic the pasta man brought homemade mozzarella
• Bagels from Bagel Alley - I love farm egg bagel sandwiches during market season
• Cucumbers, tomatoes and summer squash from Springdell - so excited to see the early appearance of squash
• Fig bars from La Bella Dolce - great for my pregnancy cravings
• Rosemary garlic sourdough loaf from the Culinary Experience
• Chicken with fig and olives from Healthy Habits Kitchen - as a working mom I L-O-V-E this vendor. They have easy-to-make meal kits that require quick assembly and then into the oven. And, oh my, the taste is top-notch.
• Fresh shrimp - saving this for grilling on the 4th
• Samira's hummus - a request from my 4-year old daughter

I ran out of money after that (yikes!) but am looking forward to exploring more of the new offerings in the weeks to come. I'll let you know as I sample and eat my way through the market.