By Maria Prato-Gaines, Staff Writer
JAMESBURG — It’s official. The borough’s farmers market has found a new home at the Jamesburg Presbyterian Church and could have an additional lineup of vendors as a result of the move.
Although the farmers market spent its first year in the heart of the downtown business district, on West Railroad Avenue, police recently lodged a number of safety concerns for both drivers and pedestrians, which prompted the change of venue.
Elliott Stroul, president of the Jamesburg Revitalization Coalition, sponsor of the event, gave a presentation on the possible site change to the church’s board of deacons March 5.
”The obvious drawback is what the purpose of the market is — to draw traffic to the downtown,” Mr. Stroul said. “But by moving it up to the Presbyterian Church, we create a safer environment, a more festive environment, and parking won’t be such an issue. This takes the pressure off the Police Department.”
Mr. Stroul’s plan was not only approved, but well-received by the board, which now is looking into the possibility of adding its own food booth to the weekly market as well as offering some other promotional items.
”We’re just happy to be able to help the community,” said the Rev. Gary Filson. “We hope by having the farmers market on church property, we will be able to tell people who come something about our church.”
The JRC is in the process of sending out informational packets to potential vendors, Mr. Stroul said.
Veterans of the market include two produce suppliers, an apiary and a kettle corn vendor, all of which are expected to return, Mr. Stroul said.
Potential newcomers to the market could include Griggs Town Quail Farm, a poultry and egg producer, the Village Bakery of Lawrenceville, a Hightstown oil and vinegar vendor, a local gourmet shop and Down Home Country of Allentown, which sells textiles as wells as antiques.
”People enjoy the vendors we had, but we’re also looking for new ones,” Mr. Stroul said. “The people need variety.”
Information booths also could see a growth as organizers are in talks with both the Jamesburg and Monroe Regional Chamber of Commerce and the local Boy Scouts to sign on to the event.
If representatives from these two organizations opt to attend, they would be setting up alongside the already committed JRC and Historical Society.
As the market’s opening nears, the JRC will be posting signs to inform visitors of the its relocation to the 9 Church St. site.
”There’s a lot of buzz in town,” Mr. Stroul said. “People are saying, ‘we hear it’s going to be at the church — even better.’ “
The farmers market is expected to run from June 13 through early October, and organizers hope to have commitments from vendors by mid-April.
For more information on the market or for a vendor application, contact Mr. Stroul at 732-512-7417.

