On Saturday, May 1, wind speed started to pick up just before the first-ever farmers and crafts market at the Deptford Community center on Delsea Drive.
There were about forty vendors including Deptford soccer, School of Rock, original art by Diane Sweeny, and other local businesses at the event.
In front of the market, which took place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., was a town council booth where you could greet Mayor Medany and the rest of the township council.
“Township Council came up with this idea years ago, but going back to last March, we were going to have it last spring,” explained Mayor Medany.
The township had to wait for COVID restrictions regarding outdoor gatherings made by Governor Phil Murphy before any action could be taken. During COVID, some vendors were also unsure whether it was safe to take place.
One of the more popular tables was the School of Rock table, which was located in the middle of the market. It had a spinning wheel where prizes were given out. Prizes included stickers, removable tattoos, and wristbands.
“I really try to see what is going on in town and I thought the market seemed pretty fun,” said owner and operator Matthew Glick.
School of Rock teaches kids music through performance by putting kids in bands right away.
For this year’s market, retired teacher Diane Sweeney presented her hand-crafted acrylic paintings, which were on sale for $5-10 apiece. A friend of hers told her about the event so she applied online to be a vendor.
“I don’t do a lot of these shows and events because it’s hard to give up my paintings, they are like my children,” said Sweeney.
5 years ago Sweeney took up painting, and it caught on as a hobby.
Also selling handcrafted items was Leni Uddyback, who is the president of noteworthybyleni.
“Writing notes is an art form that needs to come back, so i’m trying to support the movement,” said Uddyback.
Uddyback who started making handcrafted note cards a year ago tries to take part in as many vendor events as possible. Her blue star note card goes for $8.50 while her purple passion notecard is $9.00.
“Through a lot of hard work by the council committee and administration, we put it together and it turned out great,” said Mayor Medany.”
Upcoming events hosted by the Deptford council and Township include Veterans Park Memorial Day BBQ, on Sunday, May 30, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and the Jericho Memorial Day Celebration on Monday, May 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
