Farmers markets in New Jersey's northwest starting to open up
Farmers markets throughout northwest New Jersey are kicking off their seasons as warmer weather returns.
The Shoppes at Lafayette Farmers Market made its 2022 debut last Sunday, one weekend after the Sparta market got underway in the parking lot of the Sparta Health and Wellness Center. On June 4, the Blairstown Farmers Market will open for its 15th season next to the firehouse on Stillwater Road.
The Lafayette market, now in its fourth year, will run each Sunday through November from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The ever-expanding event will feature at least 27 vendors this week — "and that's of course growing," said market manager Ken Olsen.
Olsen highlighted a "unique" aspect of this year's market: the third Sunday of each month will feature non-food vendors that will sell candles, books, cosmetics, essential oils and more. Traditional farmers market products such as eggs, bread, produce, honey and mushrooms will also be available each week. Foods including pizza and lobster are expected to arrive later in the year.
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After more than 500 visited the Lafayette market last weekend, Olsen said he's optimistic about the rest of the season. With COVID restrictions no longer in place, he is hopeful the turnout will increase as more people became aware of it.
The Sparta Farmers Market is in its 12th season and takes place each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Nov. 19. It will feature 28 local vendors this weekend, offering naturally raised foods, jewelry, soap and other personal care products.
The Blairstown market will be held each Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. from June 4 through Oct. 29. The market emphasizes local vendors and small businesses, as all food is sourced within 25 miles of the town.
The market is operated by the Foodshed Alliance Farmers' Access Network, which aims to develop a locally grown, sustainable food system that promotes direct interaction between farmers and consumers.
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"We want to provide all residents in our area with a centralized location to obtain fresh, locally grown and produced food," said Kendrya Close, executive director of the Foodshed Alliance. "Doing this while meeting your neighbors and helping to support your local farming community makes for an ideal family-focused experience."
For more information on each market and the available vendors, visit www.theshoppesatlafayette.com/farmers-market, www.spartafarmersmarket.org and www.blairstownfarmersmarket.com.
This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Farmers markets in Sussex, Warren counties opening up for the season
