The clouds looming overhead and rain did not stop people from coming out to support those vending locally grown, baked and handmade products at the farmers marke
By Amy Batista, Special Writer
BORDENTOWN CITY — The clouds looming overhead and rain did not stop people from coming out to support those vending locally grown, baked and handmade products at the farmers market July 3.
The Bordentown City Farmers Market, located in the Carslake Community Center parking lot at 207 Crosswicks St., is open Wednesdays from 3 p.m. until dusk through Sept. 25. The market opened this season at its new location June 5.
Mayor Joseph Malone said it’s a “great thing for the community.”
”It’s just another real strong aspect of our community and how we try to engage the people in the community and how we try to service the people in the community,” Mayor Malone said.
Danielle McElmoyl, manager of the farmers market for the past two years and co-owner of Oliver A Bistro on Farnsworth Avenue, said Heather Cheesman, previous deputy mayor, organized and started the Bordentown City Farmers Market about four years ago.
”This is the second year at this location,” Ms. McElmoyl said, adding the previous location was Railroad Avenue and Farnsworth Avenue.
”We just wanted to relocate it and add more vendors and make it a better space,” Ms. McElmoyl said. “There is a playground here and bathrooms.”
The market now can be held rain or shine as it easily can be moved indoors in case of inclement weather at the current location.
”There is plenty of parking,” Ms. McElmoyl added. “There was a lack of parking in Bordentown City.”
The primary goals of the market are to provide city and regional residents an outlet for acquiring fresh and healthy food economically, to support local farmers and business and to enhance foot traffic and exposure for Bordentown City businesses, according to the vendor application.
According to Ms. McElmoyl, the turnout has been pretty good.
”We average 300 to 500 guests per week,” she said. “The weather really hasn’t been cooperating.”
Ms. McElmoyl encouraged residents to come out to the market and shop local.
”There’s nothing better than fresh local produce and supporting your local farmers,” Ms. McElmoyl said.
Since one of the primary goals of the market is to promote local agriculture, the city is requiring approximately 60 percent of the vendors be agricultural vendors, according to the vendor application.
”It brings the community together,” Ms. McElmoyl said. “Bordentown City is a tight-knit community.”
Ms. McElmoyl has been using the Bordentown Farmers Market Facebook page to communicate with people about the market.
”It’s so easy to communicate and promote things for free on there,” Ms. McElmoyl said. “That’s been our No. 1 means of communication for the community and market.”
Her husband, Matt McElmoyl, who owns Big Matt’s Burritos, said, “I love doing it every week and seeing all the people out here shopping local.”
Peggy Griffin stopped by Wednesday and picked up some corn at the Cranberry Hall Farm, of Cookstown, stand.
”We love the farmers market,” Ms. Griffin said, adding her family visits almost every Wednesday.
Amina Anderson, of Bordentown Township, said, “I came last year, and I try to come every Wednesday. I love the fresh produce and the burritos, of course. This is my burrito night.”
Ms. Anderson was selecting a variety of gourmet cupcakes at the Stace of Cupcakes stand.
”We have some delicious gourmet (cupcakes) made from all natural ingredients,” said Trenton’s Stanley Reece, co-owner of Stace of Cupcakes. “We also feature vegan and gluten-free items. We also have a cupcake truck.”
According to Mr. Reece, the top-selling cupcakes are the red velvet, carrot and lemon cupcakes.
Susan Roohr, co-owner of Cranberry Hall Farm, has been participating in the market since it started.
”I enjoy it,” Ms. Roohr said. “The people here are very friendly and very appreciative of us being here.”
Moorestown’s Nina Gerhold, owner of Green Cow Studio, has been creating handmade soaps for the past nine years. She has 30 varieties of soaps available at the market in addition to lotions, lip balms and bath accessories.
”It’s been really good and a great mix of vendors,” Ms. Gerhold said.
Local residents who are unable to attend the market can shop for her soaps at the local store, Square Peg, Round Hole, at 212 Farnsworth Ave.
Marina Echavarria, of Bordentown City, opened Eco Beauty Bar at 225 Farnsworth Ave. this past February. She sells natural and artisanal beauty and health products and artisanal jewelry and candles.
”I make a lot of my own products,” Ms. Echavarria said. “I was interested in all-natural beauty.”
Ms. Echavarria said the farmers market has been good.
”I look forward to every Wednesday,” she said. “It’s great because the community comes together and supports local business, which is always wonderful. It’s good to see friends.”
Rose Menton, of Roebling, was visiting the market for the first time after driving home from work and seeing the signs.
”It’s really nice to see it,” Ms. Menton said while sampling cheese at the Cherry Grove Farm stand.
Other vendors include Busy Bee Farm, of Tabernacle; Cranberry Hall Farm, of Cookstown; Hlubik Farm, of Chesterfield; Cherry Grove Farm, of Lawrenceville; Green Cow Studio, of Moorestown; HOT Foods, of Trenton; Under the Moon Café, of Bordentown City; Fulpers Dairy Farms, of West Amwell; Scarborough Farm, of Jobstown; and Jersey Shore Shroomery.
The market still is seeking vendors, according to Ms. McElmoyl.
A vendor space costs $25 each Wednesday or $20 each Wednesday if purchased for the entire season.
Members of the Downtown Bordentown Association are exempt from vendor fees as long as they meet the application requirements, but are not exempt from the application fee.
For additional information or to reserve a vending space, send an email to [email protected].