On Saturday, May 19, local residents can expect to see an array of colorful, Jersey-grown food items while listening to unique music from various artists in Kings Court for the annual Haddonfield Farmers Market.
On Saturday, May 19, local residents can expect to see an array of colorful, Jersey-grown food items while listening to unique music from various artists in Kings Court for the annual Haddonfield Farmers Market.
For 11 years, market manager Ralph Ciallella has helped manage and organize the market and says it is much more than just a place to pick up fresh produce.
“I have friends that come and stay for two hours and watch the music, they sit at the table and have their breakfast or lunch and hang out,” Ciallella said. “If you are born and raised here and you move back and you walk around town and come to the market you will see people you have not seen in 20 or 30 years.”
Ciallella’s family, friends and their grandkids often come to the farmers market year after year from all over the country to not only pick up fresh food, but to see familiar faces and relax, which is unique to Haddonfield’s market, Ciallella said.
The comradery is only part of the farmer’s market experience, the rest incorporates a variety of food items. From the beginning of the summer months into the fall, residents will be celebrating the market’s 12thseason with a sense of friendship and joy, with live entertainment, master gardeners, fresh Jersey produce, local honey, natural skincare products, pastries, fresh cut flowers and more.
Ciallella encourages residents to check out the vast selection of fruits and vegetables that will be available as soon as opening day. Due to the New Jersey climate, home grown crops of all kinds flourish and can be available at the market. Some of the ones in season include asparagus, strawberries and blueberries, according to Ciallella.
“We are called the Garden State for a reason,’’ Ciallella said. “We have the most diversified crops in the country.”
Comradery and food selection are only a part of what makes the farmers market so special. Musicians will be playing in the Gazebo at Kings Court from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Saturday during the market. Anyone from Pete Donnelly, founding member of The Figgs,to other performers, including many local artists can perform. Residents can check the market’s Facebook Page every week to see what music and activities will be taking place.
Ciallella’s goal this year is to bring both older and younger people out to enjoy the market’s festivities while enlightening the community to what the market is all about — bringing people together.
With the right outreach, Ciallella believes more people will attend and enjoy the amenities the market has to offer.
“We should all open our eyes up more to what’s right under our nose,” Ciallella said.
The Haddonfield Farmers Market will take place May 19 through Oct. 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Saturday, rain or shine, in Kings Court in downtown Haddonfield. For any questions or concerns, residents can contact Ciallella at rciallella1@gmail.com.
