The Margate Community Farmers Market opened for the season, Thursday, June 15, 2023.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
MARGATE – The crowd was light but their spirits as bright as the sunshine. Thursday was opening day at the Margate Community Farmers Market held in the parking lot and on the streets around Steve & Cookies By The Bay restaurant.
Vendors were out selling their Jersey Fresh produce, fresh eggs, hand crafted cheeses, meats seafood, pasta, pastries and flowers cut fresh from the farm. All of the products sold at the market are locally sourced.
The first day of the market, which will be held weekly on Thursdays, 8:30-11:30 a.m. until Labor Day weekend, was a little slow, but “everyone was very friendly and it was a beautiful day,” said Dotti Singer of Margate, who was sitting under a tent drinking coffee with her friend Sharon Shpeen of Ventnor.
“People won’t be here until school gets out. By July, this place will be mobbed,” Shpeen said.
Both said they are looking forward to supporting the market this summer and welcoming more vendors selling their products in the coming weeks.
Ben Sherman’s reusable bag was filled with goodies including ribs, green beans, and flowers, while his grandparents were looking for sourdough bread. His grandfather milled about holding a box of pizza slices from the Tony Baloney’s tent set up on Amherst Avenue.
“My twin sister Allie is working there this summer, so we are extra-excited to support them,” Sherman said.
The flowers will be put into the rooms where his weekend guests will sleep this weekend, said Sherman, who will be supervising the staff at Margate Dairy Bar and Burger again this summer.
As always, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey was there accepting donations for those who need food. This year, the FoodBank is selling lawn signs promoting the fine work of the many volunteers who work to feed those who are food insecure. Lawn signs are $25 and all proceeds benefit the nonprofit. Every dollar raised provides three meals for neighbors facing hunger.
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