The Burlington County Farmers Market is finishing another hugely successful season with two special holiday market days where residents can find fresh, locally grown produce, delicious seasonal foods and handmade crafts.
This year’s holiday markets will be held on Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again on Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Burlington County Agricultural Center. Both markets will be held rain or shine.
“Our county farmers market enjoyed another fantastic season and now we’re looking forward to ending strong,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dan O’Connell. “These are traditionally our two most popular markets of the year, and they feature extra artists and vendors. Whether you’re a newcomer to the market or a Saturday regular, the holiday events are a must for anyone shopping for Thanksgiving or upcoming winter festivities.”
“The holiday market will feature dozens of agricultural and food vendors with plenty of seasonal produce, cheeses, meats, coffee, baked goods, chocolate, craft beers, fruit and vegetable infusions and more, plus more artists and crafters than we’ve ever had at any single market,” added Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel. “Residents shopping for their Thanksgiving tables or seeking to get a jump on holiday gift buying will find it all at this one location.”
The farms and food vendors participating in tomorrow’s special market include 1895 Organic Farm, Bart’s Flowers, Black Sheep Farm, Cranberry Hall Farm, Davidson’s Exotic Mushrooms, Durr’s Blue Box Produce, Little Hooves Romneys, Mill Creek Apiary, Pinelands Produce, Recklesstown Farm Distillery, Boheme Foods, Cheese Etc. & Gourmet Gifts, East Coast Empanadas, Fat Belly Bacon, Fishtown Pickles, Forgotten Boardwalk Brewing, GF Sweeties, GGC Healthy Paws, Jersey Pickles, Jim’s Jarhead Jerky, Kelly Girl Desserts and Pastries, Mecha Chocolate, Mom Mom’s Polish Food, Our Souls Shine, Peewee’s Ice Cream, Simply Bella’s Simple Syrups, Sweet Melissa Goodness, Tea for All, The Fresh Fuze, Piping Bag Bakery, The Soup Bar, Third State Brewing, Tis So Sweet Bakery, Truly Seasoned, Wild Flour Bakery and Zed’s Beer.
Another 37 artists and crafters will also be at the market to sell their handmade creations.
“These are all local small businesses. Shopping from them at our market supports them and our local farms and communities,” Eckel said.
State Senator Troy Singleton also praised the holiday markets for giving farms and small businesses a great venue to market and sell their products.
“The Burlington County Holiday Market is a fantastic way to get a head start on holiday shopping, while supporting locally-owned small businesses,” said Senator Singleton. “From unique gifts to delicious treats, there is undoubtedly something for everyone.”
In addition to foods and crafts, tomorrow’s market will feature a cooking demonstration by the Rod Homestead, live music and rabbits from the 4-H Carrot Club. Toys for Tots will also be collecting new toys to distribute to children in need during the holiday season.
The Farmers Markets have been held Saturdays in the spring, summer and fall since 2006 and have been credited with helping numerous local farms and small business vendors.
An average of 1,073 vehicles were counted at the Agricultural Center each Saturday this year during the market days, including a record high 1,470 during this year’s July 16 market. The market was also recently voted among the 10 most popular farmers markets in New Jersey in the American Farmland Trust’s annual poll.
“Word has spread about how wonderful our county farmers market is and it’s now a weekly destination that draws shoppers from across the county and beyond,” Eckel said. “We’re thrilled by the market’s ever-growing popularity but what we’re most proud of is the boost it provides to local farmers and small business vendors. Whether it’s saving farms from development with our county farmland preservation program or supporting local farmers with the Agricultural Center and Farmers Markets, our county is 100 percent committed to keeping agriculture alive and vibrant in our county.”
