A letter in the Sep. 11 issue of The Voice mentioned an unfortunate incident at the Belmont Farmers’ Market on Aug. 27. I’m replying as the chair of the committee that runs the market.
The letter writer “overheard a man shout at another person to ‘go back to your country!’” Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We agree that there is no place in Belmont (or anywhere) for that behavior.
In fact, it’s not the first time that a single person has offended others at the market. But when we observe offensive behavior, we address it, and we have asked offenders to leave the market in the past. Unfortunately, we cannot hear or see everything. Our goal is for the market to be a welcoming, inclusive, and safe place for community members to gather, and we will continue to work hard to achieve that.
The market will be open on Thursdays in the Belmont Center Parking lot through Oct. 29. We invite everyone in Belmont and beyond to join us for what really is a great community event.
Hal Shubin, chair of the Belmont Farmers’ Market Committee, Chilton Street
