MEXICO – With the opening of the Mexico River Valley Farmer’s Market, area people now have three chances each week to buy locally grown or produced fresh produce, flowers, baked goods and other items.

Every Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., farmers, bakers and maple syrup producers will offer their goods at the rear of the Town Office, just opposite the soon-to-be-built gazebo.

The Mexico addition was the idea of the town’s Community Advisory Board, a group charged with finding ways to promote the town and improve its economic climate.

“These are all natural products at competitive prices,” said Louise Arsenault, chairwoman of the board. “Everyone is looking for healthy food now.”

The advisory board, in cooperation with the River Valley Chamber of Commerce, is also about to launch an adopt-a-spot beautification program for downtown Mexico. It will focus on 20 or so green spots that businesses, organizations, or individuals promise to maintain. Three or four already have been adopted. These include a portion of the Mexico Greens by Merwin Whynot, the Ridlonville Rock by Reggie Arsenault and the boat ramp launch along the Swift River by Wee Care Day Care.

Adopt-a-spot

Rumford also has an active adopt-a-spot program coordinated by the chamber.

The advisory board would also welcome other ideas for adopt-a-spots, said Arsenault.

Anyone interested in taking the responsibility for keeping one small area of the town beautiful should call the Mexico Town Office at 364-7971 or the River Valley Chamber of the Commerce at 364-3241.

In addition to the Mexico farmers market, residents can buy fresh produce on Wednesdays at the parking lot adjacent to the Opera House in Dixfield and at the information center parking lot in Rumford on Thursdays.

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