Woodbridge is gearing up to feed the masses and get them dancing on Wednesday nights at Parker Press Park.
From late June through early September, the township will present its Farmers Market 3-8:30 p.m. as part of Woodbridge Wednesdays at the park, offering organic fruits and vegetables, baked goods and specialty foods. The township is seeking additional vendors that may include farmers or those who sell organic foods, vitamins, flowers or crafts.
“You have so many different vendors. The food vendors are great — the farmer has so many fruits and vegetables, you can smell them,” Niven Raghib of the Woodbridge Township Recreation Department said.
The Woodbridge Wednesdays concert series kicks off June 24 with the Quebe Sisters Band at 7:30 p.m., and will continue each week until Kenny White closes the series on Sept. 2.
A beer and wine garden is on-site, starting at 7 p.m.
“A lot of people love [the Farmers Market] because it’s during the concerts,” Raghib said.
The title sponsors of the concert series are Woodbridge Center, Sansone Route 1 Auto Mall and Woodbridge ShopRite. Other sponsors include the BCB Community Bank, Comfort Suites, Olive Garden, Kensington Apartments, Benson’s Barbecue, La Bonbonniere Bake Shoppes and Knot Just Bagels.
“It has worked out really well for us. It’s very popular, and by pairing [the Farmers Market] with the concerts, they’ve helped each other,” Mayor John McCormac said. “Some come to the market and stay for the show, and others come to the concerts and go home with produce.”
The events help promote Woodbridge businesses, allowing them to display their products and services. Stores have been known to give out free samples on occasion.
The Farmers Market has been a destination for school trips, and while no summer camps have organized a day at the market, Raghib expects at least one to sign up this year.
On Aug. 26, Woodbridge will host Kids Day from 2-6 p.m. The Fire Department, Police Department and other groups will team up to teach children about health and safety in preparation for the next school year. El Caribefunk is the featured band that night.
Parker Press Park is located at 400 Rahway Ave., Woodbridge. Attendees are asked to bring a box or can of food for the township’s food pantries.
For more information on the Farmers Market or to be a vendor, contact Raghib at 732-596-4047 or [email protected].