County Farmers’ Market Opens Friday in Moorestown

The county’s farmer’s market is celebrating its fifth season selling Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables, baked good and unique crafts. Sponsored by county freeholders, it opens Saturday at the Burlington County Community Agricultural Center in Moorestown.

It will be open every Saturday rain or shine (except during declared weather emergencies) through October. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each week, shoppers can find a wide assortment of fresh produce in season at the time of their visit.

Opening Day entertainment will be provided by Jimmy Mannix, a guitarist and vocalist, and by the 4-H Cloggers who will perform at 11 a.m.  Master Gardeners will provide information on cold weather crops and soil testing.

This year, farming demonstrations on plowing, planting and more, sponsored by Rutgers Cooperative Extension, have been added.

Also for the 2011 season, the number of market vendors has increased and shoppers will find an increased assortment of seasonal Jersey Fresh produce such as blueberries, sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, asparagus and other organic vegetables, as well as free-range poultry, pot pies, cheese, baked and prepared foods, fresh flowers and herbs.

The farmers participating at this market are dedicated to offering locally grown fresh food, picked at its peak maturity to ensure the highest quality and taste. Since the food is grown locally, the need for chemical preservatives and irradiation to artificially extend shelf-life typically found in produce offered in most supermarkets is greatly reduced or eliminated.

Each week will feature different live musical performers and educational workshops. Special events and themed programs are also planned for the upcoming season, including a corn roast, tomato and peach festivals, watermelon bash, ice cream social, and pumpkin painting.

The County’s Agriculture Center also features a community garden with about 60 participants. In addition, a new Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farm enables members to purchase advance shares of produce grown on a section of the property leased by Growing Homes, Inc.

For more information on events, call 609-265-5068. For more information on the Agriculture Center, call 856-642-3850. It's located on the corner of Centerton and Hartford roads in Moorestown.

Agricultural Vendors
Busy Bee Farm LLC, honey & honey lavender products
Spinella Farms, diversified produce, herbs
Hunter's Vegetable Farm, diversified produce
Windy Farms Alpacas, alpaca breeding & fiber farm
Green Cow Studio, handmade soap
1895 Organic Farm, diversified produce
Griggstown Farm Market, meat, eggs, fruit pies
Perennial Patches, diversified produce, herbs, greenhouse plants
Darmo's Farm, diversified produce, cut flowers, greenhouse plants, herbs
Little Hooves Romneys, meat; eggs; wool products
Smiling Dog Greenhouse, greenhouse plants
Hlubik Farms, diversified produce, cut flowers, greenhouse plants, eggs, herbs
James Durr Wholesale Florist Inc, diversified produce, cut flowers
Artemis Farm, diversified produce, meat, eggs
Cranberry Hall Farm, diversified produce, cut flowers, greenhouse plants, meat, herbs
Longview Flowers, cut flowers, greenhouse plants, herbs
Davidson Exotic Mushrooms, exotic mushrooms

Food Vendors
Sweet Tooth Treats, LLC, mini loaves of cakes, chocolate brownies, red velvet cake
MS Food Creations, salsa, sauces, crabcakes rice pudding, specialty desserts and soups
Griggstown Farm Market, fresh & frozen poultry products
The Great American Cheesecake, cheesecake
Sweet 'n Salty Kettle Corn, kettle corn; soda and water
Bakers Boli, Frozen stromboli
Barbie-lu's Sassy Salsa, assorted seasonal salsa
Henri's  Hotts Barbeque LLC, BBQ: Pork Ribs, Brisket, Chicken, Greens, Mac & Cheese
Made in the Shade Lemonade, Lemon Ade
Mama's Homemade Cookies, homemade cookies and coffee

Craft Vendors
Jersey Girl Candles (and Soaps!) & Ryan & Emma's Goodies, candles; soaps; candies
Stormwind Alpacas, alpaca fiber, yarn, clothing, toys
Home Sweet Home, pen & ink or watercolor house portraits
Starshine Furniture & Crafts (Martha Shane & Walter Schaefer
Lilac Cottage Cards, handmade cards, checkbook covers, picture farms, glass magnets
Jersey Pines Candle Company, custom made gel candles for all occasions.
Fran's Stuff, handmade baskets
Simons Berry Farm LLC, NJ Pineland-themed home accents
2 B Design (Photography), photographic prints, note cards, tiles and related items
Victory Gardens Products, Crop therapy bag
Select 10, fused & flame worked glass. Glass panels platters, vases, pendants, ornaments
Briar Island Blueberries & Cranberries, blueberries
The Jersey Jerry Broom squire, brooms made with "broom corn" a type of of sorghum
Room Doctor/Little Earth Food Production Systems, planter boxes & stands & raised bed frames
TK Glass, hand-blown and/or formed glass items

Nonprofit Vendors
Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Burlington County
Foundation for Wellness Professionals