Opening Day Approaching for Local Farmers Markets

If fresh and local is your thing, this is your time of year. 

Farmers markets around the area are either already open for business or getting ready to start the season, with one of the largest—the Burlington County farmers market—just a few weeks away from opening day.

The market will reopen Saturday, May 18, at the Burlington County Community Agricultural Center at 500 Centerton Road in Moorestown, and remain open every Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Oct. 26.

"We're excited about the market this year," said Mary Pat Robbie, director of the county's Department of Resource Conservation. "We're trying to make it more of a place to come with the family on a Saturday morning."

She said the number of vendors this year is up to roughly 40, with a few new additions, including a second organic vendor to expand the variety of organic products offered and an ice cream and gourmet cupcake vendor. Robbie said most of the vendors from last year are returning.

(Check out the attached PDF to see a list of last year's vendors.)

In addition to the farmers market, the agricultural center offers plenty of other programs, with each week having a different focus, Robbie explained. 

On the first Saturday of the month the center will host garden talks, bringing in local experts to discuss various aspects of gardening. 

The second Saturday local 4-H clubs will stop by the agricultural center.

Each third Saturday will be focused on in-season fruits and vegetables, with cooking demonstratons from local chefs.

And the fourth Saturday is "Community Day," featuring guest speakers coming in to talk about the history of the area. Free cancer screenings will also be offered.

Of course, the market itself, and the abundance of Jersey Fresh products offered, is the main attraction as it enters its seventh season.

"The prices are much better, and the produce (is much better)," said Robbie. "It's picked that morning and brough to the market, so you know it's fresh."

The agricultural center will also hold a garden expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 11, featuring plant vendors, gardening presentations and a Mother's Day craft for kids. 

For more information on the expo and other programs, visit the agricultural center website.

Here's some information on a few other farmers markets in our area:

Browning-Hess Farm, 824 N. Lenola Road, Moorestown
Opens Thursday, April 25, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., every day through Oct. 30. 856-866-9442. 

Flying Feather Farm, 347 Bridgeboro Road, Moorestown
Opens Thursday, April 25, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day until Thanksgiving.
856-235-2654. "Like" Flying Feather Farm on Facebook for more information.

Hunter's Farm & Market, 1101 Union Landing Road, Cinnaminson
Opens Thursday, May 2. Open every day through Thanksgiving. Hours vary throughout the season. Call 856-829-6834. "Like" Hunter's on Facebook for more information.

Lew's Farm Market, 864 N. Lenola Road, Moorestown
Open early April through November, every day, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 856-234-2480.

Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments below, including when it's opening.

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