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MANVILLE: Friday farmers’ market opens for season

By Mary Ellen Day, Special Writer
   The Farmers Market opened Friday afternoon for the second year in Manville, bringing fresh fruit and vegetables to the town.
   The market will be a weekly event Fridays through Sept. 28.
   The market will be held rain or shine from 1 to 6 p.m. on the Main Street sidewalks between Rosalie and North Orchard streets.
   ”It has much more visibility, and the sidewalks are wider,” said Oscar Gonzalez, coordinator of the farmers market of the Manville Business and Professional Association.
   So far, there are two farmers with locally grown farm vegetable and fruits; one is from Norz Farm from Hillsborough and the other is Green Acres Farm. The farmers will bring different vegetables and fruits, baked goods, eggs and maybe even some meats.
   Shannon Zimmitti from Norz Farm was pleased with the first day.
   ”It is going pretty well,” she said. “We have had a lot of customers — a lot more on opening day than last year. It is very nice and very hopeful for the rest of the summer, and the word will just keep spreading.”
   Friday, Norz Farm brought golden zucchini (a new variety this year) and blackberries from south Jersey that were very big and juicy and really good sellers, according to Ms. Zimmitti.
   The top seller opening day was nectarines, but berries and fruits went well, too.
   ”This year, we added greens, all types of lettuce and kale and all different varieties of green for salads,” Ms. Zimmitti said.
   At the Green Acres stand, Peggy Samuels returned with new items of cookie and muffin mixes, string beans and squash.
   ”It is really nice, and everyone has welcomed us back,” she said. “I sold out of tomatoes and peaches today. Everyone seems really happy that we are here, and it has been a great experience.”
   The heat wasn’t bothering the vendors, and there were about 70 shoppers at a little after 4 p.m.
   Manville resident and shopper Jackie Malek said, “I couldn’t wait to come back. They always have good food here. I wish it was longer throughout the year, but you can only do so much with the seasons. As soon as I saw the sign up, I couldn’t wait to stop by.”
   Squash was among Ms. Malek’s first purchases, who said she is hoping to come back at least a few more times during the season.
   Others passing through Manville stopped to buy fresh vegetables and fruits. Ann and John Driscoll from Bedminster were going to Montgomery and decided to stop, and Evette and Gina came from across the river came to get their fresh foods, too.
   More vendors have shown an interest in participating, according to Mr. Gonzalez. Besides the fruits and vegetable along with the other foods, “there is (a) fellow who is interested and has (a) honey farm. That would be nice,” he said.
   ”Last year’s (market) was good,” he added. “It actually came in at a good time. All the feedback we got from everybody in town was very positive. We had some fresh produce and nice baked goods. The location is great. There is plenty of free parking, and it went well.”
   For information about the market, interested participants can contact Mr. Gonzalez at 908-722-0121.
   ”It is a nice little addition to the town, I think,” Mr. Gonzalez said.