By Kaitlyn Kanzler, Special Writer
CRANBURY – The Township kicked off its first farmers’ market last Friday, featuring local farmers and businesses.
The farmer’s market, which is held in the grass common area on Park Place West off of Main Street, is open from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m., and will run until Sept. 21.
Several of the businesses participating included, Gil & Bert’s Ice Cream, who gave away free samples of blueberry ice cream, The Cutting Garden, which provided cut flowers, Pop’s Farm Market, providing produce, and Tumbleweed & Eddie’s, an organic dog treat company.
Resident Susan Norman, who works for Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty in Cranbury, headed the effort to bring the farmer’s market to the town.
”It wouldn’t be possible without the Township Committee helping us,” Ms. Norman said. “It was a dream, it was a vision, and they completed it.”
According to committee member, Dan Mulligan, fellow member Susan Goetz had a big part in helping Ms. Norman to get the farmer’s market started.
”It’s been incredible and refreshing, and we hope to make it an institution here in Cranbury,” Mayor David Cook said. “This is a great first start for Cranbury and also for various vendors and the agricultural history of [the town].”
Ms. Norman said she talked to Audrey Smith of the historical society and they are hoping to get the society to perform historical reenactments from different eras and perform demonstrations such as soap making.
Resident Sal Lisano picked up some ice cream from the mobile Gil & Bert’s stand and browsed around the other various vendors.
”I think, for it being the first week, it’s a good response,” Mr. Lisano said. “I think as time goes on, as the word gets around, we’ll have more attendance.”
Other vendors present were Brown Dog Produce, Optimal Exercise, Frank’s Pickled Peppers, Funni Bonz, Good Times Kettle Corn, Judith’s Desert Boutique, From The Garden, and the Cream Ridge Winery, including live music, provided by Bob Gilmartin.
”We love coming out and supporting farmers’ markets,” said Jim Barbour, president and CEO of Funni Bonz Barbecue Sauce. “This community needs farmers’ markets. We’re definitely looking forward to working with [everyone].”
The Cranbury Public Library was also in attendance, promoting their pilot mobile library program, where residents will be able return and renew books, learn computer instruction, and ask reference questions.
”We’re trying to look at different ways of bringing library services out into the community as opposed to bringing the community into the building,” Doug Baldwin, Systems Administrator for the library, said.
For more information about the farmers’ market or anyone interested in participating, please contact Ms. Norman at (609)273-4811 or visit her website www.susananorman.com.

