Temperatures are rising, flowers are blooming and spring is in the air. And with the arrival of the new season comes another popular rite: Opening Day of the Burlington County Farmers Market.
The weekly market at the Burlington County Agricultural Center will celebrate its 18th season on Saturday, May 11, with a special Opening Day Market dedicated to spring gardens.
From 8:30 AM to 1 PM, shop from more than 60 different vendors selling Jersey-fresh produce, seasonal plants and flowers, delicious prepared foods, creative crafts and specialty items. There will also be gardening demonstrations, a free cooking class, activities for adults and children, presentations, plus live music.
“Our farmers market season got off to an early start this year with four pre-season markets in March and April. Those early markets were a big hit and generated even more excitement for the kickoff of our weekly Saturday markets,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “We’re expecting Opening Day to be our biggest yet, so make a plan to visit and experience one of the best farmers markets in all of New Jersey.”
Close to four dozen farms and food vendors are expected to be at the market’s Opening Day, plus another 15 artists and crafters.
Among the participating farms and vendors is Fernbrook Farms. The Chesterfield farm is a newcomer to the market and specializes in community-supported agriculture and wholesale nursery products, including ornamentals, conifers, flowering plants, trees and shrubs.
Some of the returning farms and vendors include: Bart’s Flowers, Black Sheep Farm, Cranberry Hall Farm, Foggy Bottom Tree Farm, J&B Farm Fresh, James Durr Wholesale Florist, Little Hooves Romneys, Mill Creek Apiary, Pinelands Produce, Recklesstown Farm Distillery, Armageddon Brewing, Cheese Etc., Fat Belly Bacon, Harvest Coffee, HoopHouse Bakery & Café, Humble Spud, Kismet Bagels, Mom Mom’s Polish Food, Peewee’s Ice Cream, The Soup Bar, Third State Brewing, Tis So Sweet Bakery and more.
In addition to shopping, don’t miss the cooking demonstrations in the Farmhouse kitchen or the hands-on activities and presentations that are planned, such as planting succulents and pressing flowers.
The Master Gardeners will do a presentation on how to grow and care for fig trees at 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM. The organization will also hold a composting demonstration at 10:30 AM.
Market goers can also learn about community and wildlife habitats, pollinators and rose care during presentations by the National Wildlife Federation and other groups.
“Expert and novice gardeners, cooks, beer enthusiasts, cheese connoisseurs and coffee-lovers, no matter your interest or taste, you’re certain to find something you’ll love to eat, drink, or plant at the Burlington County Farmers Market,” said Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel, liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “You won’t find a better market in a more beautiful destination than the one in our Agricultural Center, so make sure to visit on Opening Day and every Saturday.”
The Farmers Market is one of the chief attractions at the Burlington County Agricultural Center, a 68-acre former dairy farm located at 500 Centerton Road on the Moorestown-Mount Laurel border. The County preserved the property in 2005 and remade it into an educational facility devoted to food production, health, nutrition and land stewardship. A portion of the property continues to be leased for farming, and the site also features community gardens, demonstration fields and a commercial kitchen.
“Agriculture is an enormous part of Burlington County’s past and present and we want to make sure it remains an integral part of our county’s future too,” said Eckel. “The Agricultural Center and Farmers Market help our local farms remain strong and vibrant and educates our residents about the importance of agriculture.”