Farmers Market Is Back In Season Starting Sunday In Howell

HOWELL, NJ — Look for the return of the Howell Farmers Market this Sunday, May 21, at Echo Lake Park, with an opening day featuring about 22 vendors of locally raised produce, artisanal foods and many handcrafted items.

Township resident Joan Osborne is the current president of the market and has been with it from the beginning, seeing the market evolve over four years when it started during the pandemic.

The open-air market was popular with shoppers and the market met all the pandemic requirements at the time, she said.

"It got a good following," she added.

The market moved last October to a new home - Echo Lake Park on Maxim Southard Road. It had been situated at the township hall parking lot on Route 9 before that.

Now, the bucolic setting adds to the overall experience, Osborne said.

Visitors to the market can expect a variety of vendor tents, she said.

There are fruit and vegetable stands, local farmers selling flowers and plants, a local bakery has set up shop with artisan breads, and there is a cupcake vendor.

Then there are other specialties: honey, hot sauce and spice vendors, and distilleries, meeting state alcoholic beverage requirements.

Some items for sale that aren't edible, but are still handcrafted, such as soaps or jewelry, Osborne said.

Visitors can also expect live music on a regular basis at the market, although not every week.

Vendors set up their own tents or tables. There's a pavilion if anyone needs shelter in a surprise rainstorm.

Osborne said it's best to check the market's Facebook site to be advised of any weather-related closing.

Osborne, an attorney who also had at one time been on the Green Team and Environmental Commission in town, developed the farmers market with help from certain vendors - and it has become a very consuming hobby for her these past four years. She added she expects to "transition" out of the role this year.

She said it has been a "public-private enterprise" with support from the township, both with facilities and with involving the market in other events, such as holiday markets. She said the township Public Works Department and Administration have "always been there" for the market.

The Howell Farmers Market will be open every Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and will run through October.

And Osborne said visitors should enjoy the Echo Lake Park amenities: "A beautiful lakeside setting, a playground for children, and picnic tables for those who want to enjoy any of the food they purchase. There are also bathrooms available at this location and a pavilion in the event of inclement weather," she said.

She said there will be two holiday markets, one in November and one in December this year.

"We hope to partner with the township again for the tree lighting ceremony," she added.