Opening day will be culmination of months of planning and behind-the-scenes work for Agricultural Advisory Committee and Farmers Market Committee
By Linda Seida, Staff Writer
WEST AMWELL — The township’s new farmers market will open May 9 with a variety of locally grown and crafted offerings.
Officially, it will be known as the West Amwell Farmers Market.
Unofficially, organizers hope it will be a place where local farmers and crafters not only can buy and sell their wares, but also a site that will foster a sense of community.
They envision it as a place — possibly the only place in the township — where members of the community can socialize and catch up with their neighbors in an informal, pleasant setting.
Opening day will be the culmination of months of planning and behind-the-scenes work for the Agricultural Advisory Committee and the Farmers Market Committee. That is especially true for Chester Urbanski, who belongs to both committees and first brought the concept to the Township Committee last fall.
”I am very excited about this new market,” Mr. Urbanski said. “All the old pro vendors that we have recruited tell me that a market takes time to grow. Of course, I want it to be successful from day one. We have high hopes for this market. We hope the local residents will participate both as customers and vendors.”
Some farmers and vendors will be there from the beginning while others still have time to join.
”The market will be an opportunity for local residents to purchase fresh food and goods produced locally,” Mr. Urbanski said. “They can purchase homegrown fruits and vegetables that taste great rather than fruits and vegetables from Central America that look great but have no taste whatsoever. The market will also be an opportunity for local growers to sell their products. They can make some extra money and have fun selling their wares to their neighbors.”
The starting lineup includes Committeeman Thomas Molnar, whose offerings will include handmade craft items and blacksmith wares. As the growing season progresses, Mr. Molnar also will sell tomatoes, melons, zucchini, apples and peaches.
Ben Avila, who runs Highland Gourmet, in Stockton, will be selling beef, kielbasa, baked goods, pot pies, stew and chili.
Michael Lyness, of Spring Run Farm, in Pittstown, will start off with cool-weather crops, such as radishes, cauliflower, lettuce and cabbage. He’ll also have Swiss chard, beets, eggplant, squash and tomatoes.
Flo Newrock, who operates under the name Jewelry by Flo, will have beaded necklaces, bracelets and earrings as well as glass Christmas tree ornaments.
Keona Farm, of Stockton, will offer pony rides for children for a “nominal fee,” Mr. Urbanski said. Their craft items will include birdhouses and nonpetroleum-based candles.
Products for sale from Mickie Jacoby, of Hopewell, will include plants, herbs, asparagus and other vegetables. Ms. Jacoby, who formerly managed the Sergeantsville Farmers Market, also sells pottery under the name Little White Dog Pottery.
The West Amwell Farmers Market will be located on the lawn of the municipal building, 150 Rocktown-Lambertville Road.
The market will be open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday until Oct. 31.
There will be plenty of parking space available, Mr. Urbanski said.
Although the market will be held simultaneously with the township’s weekly trash collection, when residents bring their garbage to the site for disposal, the collection will not interfere with the market, according to Mr. Urbanski.
”They’re not going to have a problem at all,” he said.
Trash drop-off occurs on the left side of the divided driveway. Parking for the market will be to the right beside the lawn where vendors will be set up.
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