Winter In July Draws Record Turnout To Burlington County Center

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — Burlington County’s Winter Holidays in July celebration drew 1,449 vehicles to the Burlington County Agricultural Center in Moorestown on Saturday, setting a new record for attendance at the weekly farmers market, county officials said on Thursday.

The previous record for the farmers market’s 15-year history was 1,429 on July 14, 2018, according to officials.

“Our farmers market is always a great attraction, but it’s great to know that the market’s farms and vendors may have gotten an even bigger boost from this special event,” Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson said. “We all know how difficult 2020 was for our farmers and our small businesses, so bringing them some early holiday cheer to the market was another way we could try to support them and their recovery.”

The holiday-themed edition of the farmers market featured more than 50 farms, vendors and artisan crafters, as well as a visit from Santa Claus, who was dressed in summer attire rather than his typical heavy red suit.

There was also a special winter-themed cooking demonstration inside the center’s farmhouse, where dozens learned how to make frozen hot chocolate. Toys for Tots was also on hand to collect donations.

Burlington County Commissioner Linda Hynes, liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks, said the event likely helped expose more people to the farmers market and the Agricultural Center, which was previously a 68-acre dairy farm before the county preserved the land in 2005.

A portion of the property continues to be leased for farming and the site also has community gardens and field plots maintained by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. There is also a commercial kitchen used for County-sponsored cooking classes and other events.

“The Agricultural Center is one of the real jewels of our parks system. The farmers market may be its chief attraction, but there’s plenty else to see and experience,” Hynes said. “It’s a fantastic place, and events like this help more people discover it.”

The farmers market is open every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.