By Mike Morsch, Executive editor
Sometimes, change throws people a curveball.
That’s what apparently happened with the Hightstown Farmers Market.
For the past 15 years, the market has been held on Fridays. But the folks who used to organize the market gave it up after last season.
When the Hightstown movers and shakers decided they wanted the market to continue this season, it was decided that it should be under the auspices of the Hightstown Parks and Recreation Department. And the committee that was handling the details for this year’s farmers market thought that it would attract more vendors and more people if the day were changed to Thursday, which wouldn’t interfere with any weekend plans.
In theory, it seemed to make sense. In reality, what happened was that folks were so used to showing up on Fridays for the farmers market that they continued to show up on Fridays.
And there was no farmers market to be found on that day.
“It was a natural evolution that parks and rec would take over coordinating the market. We were hoping to broaden the spectrum of people who would come out to the market,” said Mairead Thompson, an alternate member of the parks and recreation department committee. “It was on Fridays all those years and everybody expected it to continue to be on Fridays.”
But when it was moved to Thursdays, few people showed up.
“It wasn’t something that we anticipated,” said Ms. Thompson.
The farmers market runs on Thursdays through Sept. 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Memorial Park, 117-123 N. Main St. in Hightstown, across from 12 Farms Restaurant.
It featured local vendors with local produce, crafters, and entertainment, including local musicians and things like yoga instruction and a caricature artist. Paddleboat rides, for a $2 fee, are also available on the lake.
Entertainment for Thursday, July 14, is The Rogaine Brothers and Don. Entertainment for Thursday, July 21, is vocalist Claire Ernst accompanied by her brother Connor Ernst on the guitar. Ms. Ernst sings her own songs and cover songs from artists like Sara Bareilles and Lucas Graham.
The list of potential vendors and farmers that will be present includes Candy Clouded popcorn and cotton candy; Hightstown Library; Hightstown Animal Welfare with kittens to adopt; Cox Corner Market; Cornercopia Garden Market; Windy Acres Farm; Rae and Ruby Natural Skincare and crafts; and John Sprague caricature artist. The committee plans to add vendors and farmers each week to the list.
Ms. Thompson believes that the farmers market is just another way for Hightstown and its residents to strengthen its sense of community.
“We’re a small town, but we have a lot of passionate community members,” said Ms. Thompson. “We’ve got a big space and we can accommodate a lot of people.”
For more information, call 609-819-6069 or email [email protected].
