FRAMINGHAM, MA -- The Rotary Club of Framingham named the Manager of the Framingham Farmer's Market Bill Sell its Citizen of the Year.

The Citizen of the Year award was presented Sell at an event at the end of June. Sell has been the manager of the Farmers Market in 2022 and 2023. He was recognized for his efforts in reviving the market.

Two years ago, the Thursday afternoon farmers market had just a handful of vendors and few shoppers.

After taking office, Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky made two key decisions regarding the farmers market; first he waived all vendor fees and then he, hired Sell to manage the market.

Sell, who has experience managing large events including the former MetroFest, transformed the Framingham farmers market from a handful of vendors to scores of vendors.

In 2022, the market hit almost 1,000 attendees on its last day.

For the opener of this year’s market, a record was set for attendance at more than 3,100 attendees.

"We took the best of MetroFest - a community gathering open to all and brought it together with an economic development effort by the Mayor to make a new Framingham Farmers Market,” said Sell.

“There are no vendor space fees, helping small businesses maximize their results immediately at every market. We brought in as many as 10 food trucks to keep the program unique and different every year,” said Sell.

The Rotary Club of Framingham recognized this creative approach and awarded Sell their 2023 Citizen of the Year, a tremendous honor.

At their recent awards ceremony at Framingham State University’s Warren Center in Ashland Sell was given a plaque in recognition for the reimaging of the weekly farmers market program.

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The Rotary Club of Framingham began in 1922 and serves the communities of Ashland, Framingham, Holliston, and Hopkinton. Its members meet regularly to plan and implement community service activities designed to improve the lives of others. The club has a long-standing track record of service that exemplifies its commitment to Rotary International’s goal of "Service before Self".

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