Sweet and Succulent: O.C. Farmers Market Opens for Summer

By Maddy Vitale Big, juicy, ripe tomatoes, fresh zucchini and homemade pies are just some of the delights crowds can sink their teeth into when the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce Farmers and Crafters Market opens Wednesday. The market has been going strong for 24 years. It is located on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue, and is held on Wednesdays through Sept. 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market features a total of 80 vendors, including food stands and crafter stands. “We are very happy to start our 24th year of one of the longest running and largest farmers markets in South Jersey,” said Michele Gillian, executive director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We are happy to welcome back our fabulous farmers and crafters, as well as welcoming many new vendors to keep the market exciting. The Farmers and Crafters Market demonstrates a true sense of community.” The market offers customers a bit of everything. There is a wide selection of locally grown produce, from sweet ears of corn to plump blueberries to succulent strawberries. The farmers market has a little bit of everything, including confections. And for those who enjoy confections, there are plenty of cakes, pies and cookies. There are also spicy dips and even pizza. There is also an abundance of fresh flowers and fresh herbs, all from local farms. Oh, and there is jewelry, and a lot of it, to choose from and even stylish clothes. Gillian said she believes the variety and quality of the produce and crafts are the main reasons the market has been around for so long and why so many families return for their goodies year after year. “There is such a varied selection of New Jersey farmers and outstanding juried crafters,” she noted. Dean Monteleone, of Monteleone Farms in Vineland, has been a vendor at the Farmers Market for 19 years. The market, established with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, is designed to benefit local farmers by exposing them to a new outlet to sell their produce, which will help sustain their farms. To accommodate the vendors, Asbury Avenue is closed to motor vehicle traffic at Sixth Street. The street is turned into a miniature tent city featuring local vendors. The location of the market on the Asbury Avenue commercial corridor also benefits the downtown merchants. Customers finish up at the market and then head to the downtown to continue their shopping spree and stop in the eateries. For more information about the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce Farmers & Crafters Market call 609-399-1412 or visit www.oceancityvacation.com. Chamber officials Rose Savastano and Nancy Neal are co-managers of the Farmers and Crafters Market. (Photo courtesy Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce)