From 5/10/2002 “Farmers Market reopens Saturday” by Mindie Paget:

It just wouldn’t be springtime in Lawrence without the aromatic flowers, fresh produce and neighborly atmosphere that crop up this time of year in a certain Vermont Street parking lot.

There, just after sunrise Saturday, the peal of a bell will signal the official opening of the Lawrence Farmers Market’s 28th season and the return of a more personal style of shopping.

“You can talk directly to the person who produced what you’re buying so that if you have any questions about what kind of processes we use, how we treat our land, what our philosophy is on growing, you have the real person to talk to,” said Mary Jo Mensie, market board member and a vendor who sells vegetables and herbs.