The Jamesburg Farmers Market was started in June 2008 with this year’s market officially started July 6.
By Amy Batista, Special Writer
The Jamesburg Farmers Market was started in June 2008 with this year’s market officially started July 6.
”We have only had three markets so far this season (with) the average number of visitors is in the low 200s,” said market manager Diane Lemelman, of Monroe, in an email on July 22.
”Vendors should know that we have very few if any lookers,” Ms. Lemelman added. “Everyone that comes to the market in most cases buys.”
There are six vendors participating and include Farmer’s Al; Yellow Bee; Gourmet Nuts and Dried Fruit, and a pickle and olive vendor. The market is a project of the Jamesburg Revitalization Coalition, according to Ms. Lemelman. Elliot Stroul is the president of the coalition.
”The coalition had been wanting to do a market for some time, but needed someone to coordinate it,” Ms. Lemelman said. “During the winter 2007 and 2008, I read the book ‘Animal, Vegetable, Miracle’ by Barbara Kingsolver and was so inspired I emailed Mr. Stroul to suggest they have a market.”
According to Ms. Lemelman, she was encouraged by Mr. Stroul to join his group and to start up and coordinate it.
Mona Shihata, of Jamesburg, comes to the market every week. The highlight for her is the vegetables.
”I thought there would be more here,” said Vernon Appleby, of Spotswood. “I heard about it and I’m hungry for Jersey corn and Jersey tomatoes,” Mr. Appleby said.
”It’s a good variety this year,” said Kat Cunningham, of Jamesburg. “I am hoping it is going to do better this year than last year.”
According to Ms. Cunningham, the highlight of the market is “seeing what’s new.”
”I like buying from local companies,” Ms. Cunningham added. “I’d rather buy local than mass distribution.”
Jeff and Katie Prontnicki, of Jamesburg walked to the market to get “everything you need for the week.”
”We love to have this in town,” said Ms. Prontnicki. “Everybody is so friendly and nice,” said Mr. Prontnicki. “Good community farmers market.”
Jamesburg Mayor Marlene Lowande and her daughter, Tristan Lowande of Jamesburg, were at the market buying fresh produce, too.
”I or my husband, Greg, visits the market every weekend,” said Mayor Lowande. “It’s great to get fresh vegetables and fruit for the week. They have some new vendors this year including pickles and honey.”
”Elliot and Ira (Warhaftig, the treasurer) work really hard to bring this to our town and I hope everyone takes advantage of the farmers market,” Mayor Lowande added.
”We are trying to get more people in,” said Mr. Warhaftig. “Little by little we are getting more vendors in.”
According to Mr. Warhaftig, there are three new vendors for the year.
Mr. Warhaftig posts on Facebook, Twitter and other websites to advertise the market and vendors. There are signs that go up every week a few days before the market in addition to it being listed on food sites such as Local Harvest, Culinate, the State of New Jersey listing, Edible Jersey, and more.
According to Ms. Lemelman, the money raised is used for publicity of the market, such as printing flyers and signs. It is also applied towards other civic improvement projects or civic events, such as the horse and carriage rides held every December.
”We have a long-term strategy of trying to get businesses into the area,” Mr. Warhaftig added.
The market sponsors special events to attract people, including live music on July 27, a living history day with a date to be determined, Thai chef demonstration on Aug. 3, and a Peach Party on Aug 10 which is part of the NJ Peach Promotion Council event.
”We like this market,” said Tyler Schmitt, of East Hanover, who was selling on behalf of Gourmet Nuts and Dried Fruit.
”It’s short, quick and the people are really nice,” Mr. Schmitt added. “It’s a small market and its growing. It’s the second week that I have been here and its getting busier.”
Ken Walters, of Lawrenceville, is the owner of a new business, Yellow Bee, which started two months ago.
”It started as a hobby and grew into a small business,” said Mr. Walters. Comb honey, wildflower honey, honey sticks products were available.
”The people are great,” Mr. Walters said adding that many of the clients return each week.
”Everything usually looks real good and fresh,” said Pedro Nieves, of Perth Amboy, who was picking up some nuts at the Gourmet Nuts and Dried Fruit stand for his wife.
In Jamesburg a vendor space costs $25 each Saturday and includes a registration fee of $50.
For additional information or to reserve a vending space, send an email to Ms. Lemelman at [email protected] and visit www.ilovejamesburg.com.