Blackwood Farmers' Market Returns Saturday

Blackwood Farmers' Market returns for its fourth season Saturday morning.

The local farmers market will include several new vendors for the 2012 season, including Balic Winery.

The Mays Landing winery, now in its 45th year, has committed to attending at least the first two Saturday markets (June 30 and July 7), according to market organizer Stephanie Roberts.

The farmers market—an activity of Blackwood West Redevelopment Corp. that aims to help revitalize downtown Blackwood—is held each Saturday from June 30 through Oct. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot at Gloucester Township-Blackwood Rotary Public Library.

In addition to Balic, the 2012 Blackwood Farmers' Market will feature newcomers Tis So Sweet, a Haddon Heights bakery;Heilig Orchards, of Gloucester County; BL Herbs, of Carneys Point; Accessorize It, a Williamstown-based women's jeweler; and A Crystal Wish, a Sicklerville-based jeweler. 

Of course, there are the Blackwood Farmers' Market mainstays: produce vendors Monteleone Farms, of Vineland, and Pleasant Valley Farm, of Mays Landing, and First Presbyterian Church of Blackwood.

Roberts said there will be at least four produce vendors among the 17 total vendors expected for Saturday's Opening Day. Other farms have expressed interest in participating on future market dates, she said.

The 2012 version of the farmers market will also include "Kids' Corner," a place for the kids to hang out while their parents or grandparents do some shopping.

The farmers market will also feature flea markets the final Saturday of each month beginning in July.

And remember to bring a reusable shopping bag to the market each week to earn a free entry in a raffle drawing for a $5 voucher for the following week.

If interested in joining the Blackwood Farmers' Market's vendor roster, pick up a registration form at the manager's table Saturday or visit the market's website. It costs just $25 per week for a spot.

For more information on the Blackwood Farmers' Market, contact Gloria Pasquarello at blackwoodfarmersmarket@glotwp.com or 856-278-4810.

Check back with Gloucester Township Patch throughout the summer for updates on Blackwood Farmers' Market.