Farmers markets are known to be places where people go to pick up healthy local food. Haddonfield has its own farmers market, but it is unique in that it offers not just produce, but also musical entertainment and a place to connect with family and friends.
The Haddonfield Farmers Market opens its ninth season starting May 16, and is open each Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 24, rain or shine. The market is held at Kings Court, on Kings Highway between Haddon Avenue and Tanner Street.
“The Haddonfield Farmers Market is a terrific way for local residents to eat seasonally and healthy, live sustainably and support entrepreneurial farmers and food providers while hanging out with friends and neighbors and enjoying music in a relaxing, family-friendly outdoor setting,” Susan Baltake, senior market board member, said.
The Haddonfield Farmers Market was started nine years ago to complement the larger Collingswood Farmers Market, transferring from the PACTO parking lot to the Presbyterian Church. However, it grew into its own, now being held at Kings Court and growing to a local favorite event. It became known for its small, but quality boutique selection and as a place for friends and families to gather and hang out.
“Our market, being a little smaller, we’re more of a boutique market where people hang out a little longer than other farm markets and come back every week to see old friends. I think that is something we take pride in,” Ralph Ciallella, market manager and coordinator, said.
The market is also known to help expose and promote small vendors. According to Ciallella, vendors come to Haddonfield starting out small, but soon make friends and gain loyal customers, establishing themselves to where they eventually go on to bigger things such as owning stores for their products.
“We can promote a young vendor and help them grow their own business,” Ciallella said.
This year, favorite vendors are returning along with some fresh faces. Returning favorite vendors will include Anita’s Guacamole, Café Fiore, Duffield’s Farm Produce, OrchardView, Muth Flower Farms, Respond Bakery, Sarah’s Produce and Taproots Farm.
New for 2015 are Bianca del Mare, with handmade soaps and creams; Bits-Cotti Gourmet Treats; Horn & Hardart, with pre-packaged coffee products, flatbreads and snacks; Jersey Java, serving hot and cold coffees, teas and handpies; Local Links, with locally-sourced sausage, applesauce and baked goods; Saint Brian’s BBQ, with BBQ sauces, rubs, ribs and pulled pork; Summerwind Farms, with organic farm produce, bedding and hanging plants; and Turbinado Bakehouse, with cupcakes, cookies, brownies and pastries.
One of the things that makes the Haddonfield Farmers Market different from others in the area is its live weekly music. Every week, a different band or artist performs at the gazebo in Kings Court, playing everything from folk to rock. Returning favorites as well as newbies include singer/songwriter Pete Donnelly and his band The Figgs; aspiring artist Tayla St. Rose, Donnelly’s daughter; up-and-coming Brooke DiCaro; rock band Mad Hatter; and Dave Kelly and Fran Smith, just to name a few. Playing on opening day will be long-time Haddonfield Farmers Market folk band, Boulevard Express.
“For me, aside from the produce vendors, my favorite part is the music. If you asked me what market I would choose to go to, I would choose ours because of the music. People are always looking forward to seeing who is playing,” Ciallella said.
“Come to support local farmers, food and other purveyors. Support the Haddonfield Farmers Market as a nonprofit community venture. It’s a great opportunity to eat healthy, fresh, seasonal and local,” Baltake said.
Check out the market on the web at www.haddonfieldfarmersmarket.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Haddonfield-Farmers-Market/109209384107. For those interested in being a vendor, contact Ciallella at rciallella1@gmail. com.
