Caldwell Farmers Market Opens June 24

The third season of the Caldwell Farmers Market begins Friday, June 24 and will run through Oct. 28. The market will be held every Friday from 2 to 7 p.m., rain or shine, in the Smull Avenue municipal lot, behind .

The Caldwell Farmers Market has become a community meeting place for residents from the Caldwells and neighboring towns. Visitors not only enjoy the "Jersey Fresh" designated farmers and variety of specialty food vendors, but also live music and special events, such as chef demonstrations, book signings and seasonal family events.

Last season’s "Kids Crafts" activities became so popular with local children that hands-on craft activities have been added as a weekly feature from 3 to 5 p.m.

June 24 will feature the annual children’s “Potting Party.” All children who visit the market get to pick their own seedling to transplant and take home where they can nurture it and watch it grow.

The Caldwell Farmers Market received an official "Jersey Fresh" designation from the State of New Jersey's Department of Agriculture. This designation ensures that what the market’s farmers are selling has been grown in New Jersey, supports state and local agriculture, and brings the freshest, most nutritious produce to the market.

Farmers are registered and inspected, making sure they meet "Jersey Fresh" standards for what they sell. Produce is often picked the night before the market at its peak of freshness, so it can get from the farm to your table within 24 hours.

The Caldwell Farmers Market also features vendors who sell other locally produced specialties, such as farm fresh eggs, steroid, antibiotic and hormone free meat, cheeses including fresh mozzarella, roasted nuts and dried fruits, artisan breads and baked goods, fresh pastas and sauces and prepared foods. 

Returning vendors include some of last season’s favorites—Stony Hill Farms, Iona Hill Farms, Amish Country Bakery, Hoboken Farms, SnoepWinkel Farms, Jaker’s Pickles, Maria’s Biscotti, and Gourmet Nuts & Dried Fruits.  

Several new vendors will be joining them, including Paulo’s Kitchen, offering homestyle prepared Italian dishes, and Fontanarosa’s, featuring fresh sauces, ravioli and pastas, including whole wheat and gluten free. The market also hosts guest vendors throughout the season, giving visitors the opportunity to try a variety of specialty foods.

The Caldwell Farmers Market strives to make fresh, nutritious food available to everyone and participates in the WIC, Senior Nutrition and Food Stamp programs.

The Caldwell Farmers Market is made possible through the hard work of local volunteers and through the nonprofit organization, Project Main Street. This year’s Farmers Market committee is comprised of Market Manager Doug Piazza, Amy Piazza, nutritionist Jennifer Nat and Jerry Glaser. Other Project Main Street volunteers play a supporting role.  

Because of their commitment, no borough funding is used to support the market and any proceeds derived are reinvested in the Caldwell Farmers Market or returned to the community through downtown beautification, preservation and revitalization projects.

Keep up to date about happenings at the Caldwell Farmers Market at www.caldwellfarmersmarket.com. Learn more about Project Main Street at www.ProjectMainSt.blogspot.com. Find both on Facebook! To volunteer, e-mail projectmainst@gmail.com.