The Burlington County Farmers Market enjoyed its most successful season in its 15-year history this year and there’s still two more opportunities left for residents to shop for fresh, locally grown produce and other seasonal foods and handmade crafts at two upcoming Holiday Market days.
This year’s Holiday Markets will be held this Saturday, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Burlington County Agricultural Center, 500 Centerton Road in Moorestown. Both markets will be held rain or shine.
“The Holiday Farmers Market has become one of Burlington County’s most popular traditions and we’re thrilled to continue it,” said Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “This season at the Farmers Market has already been a record-setter for attendance and sales. Now we’re looking to finish strong with two of our largest Holiday Markets ever.”
“All kinds of seasonal produce, artisan cheeses, mushrooms, baked goods, coffees and even craft beer and spirits will be available, along with scores of local artisans, crafters and their beautiful creations,” added Commissioner Linda Hynes. “Most everything you could possibly want for your Thanksgiving table can be found in one place and shoppers can also get an early jump on holiday gift buying.”
The vendors participating at Saturday’s special market include: 1895 Organic Farm, Cranberry Hall Farm, Durr Farm, Pinelands Produce, Robson’s Farm, Cherry Grove Farm, Davidson Exotic Mushrooms, Little Hooves Romneys, Mill Creek Apiary, Recklesstown Farm Distillery, The Rod Homestead, Boheme Foods, CJ’s Salsa and Dips, East Coast Empanadas, Fat Belly Bacon, Fishtown Pickles, GGC Healthy Paws, Jersey Pickles, Jim’s Jarhead Jerky, Mecha Chocolate, Peewee’s Ice Cream, Forgotten Boardwalk Brewing, the Soup Bar and Wild Flour Bakery.
A total of 34 artisans and crafters will also be at the market to sell their handmade creations.
“That’s the most vendors and crafters we’ve ever had at one market. It’s not to be missed,” Hynes said.
In addition to foods and crafts, the Nov. 20 holiday market will feature a pumpkin soup bowl cooking demonstration by The Rod Homestead and live music by Acoustic Explorer. The Dec. 4 market will feature holiday cookie decorating by Sift Bake Shop and the Old Man Garage Band.
Farmers Markets have been held Saturdays at the Agricultural Center in the spring, summer and fall since 2006 and have been credited with helping numerous local farms and small business vendors sell their products.
This year’s market season was the most popular and well-attended yet, with an average of 1,161 vehicles counted each Saturday, including a record-high 1,449 during this summer’s special Christmas in July market.
The market was even voted among the nation’s 100 best farmers markets in the nation and in the Top 3 in New Jersey during the American Farmland Trust’s annual poll.
“We’ve seen our farmers markets grow and grow and become more popular each season, and it’s now known as one of New Jersey’s best,” Hynes said. “We’re thrilled by its success and even happier that the increased traffic has given a boost to dozens of farmers, food vendors and crafters. Whether it’s through our farmland preservation program or county support for farmers with our farmers markets, Burlington County remains committed to keeping agriculture alive and vibrant.”
