Eatontown Farmers' Market Will Begin This Weekend

After much discussion and planning, the Eatontown Downtown Farmers' Market will begin this weekend.

The market will be held on Sunday, July 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Wampum Park on Route 35 and West Street.

The Eatontown Green Team is sponsoring the new farmers market that was originally proposed by the Downtown Business Association in May.

It was originally thought that the market could not begin until the fall, but the association was able to clear all the financial and insurance hurdles needed to hold the market.

"The Green Team wants to give area residents and visitors access to excellent, locally grown produce and artisan products," a release from Market Manager Pamela Cauputo said. "The Eatontown Green Team is committed to building a green and sustainable local economy and this first project will be part of the mission to encourage people to shop in town."

The market is aiming to not only provide residents with fresh fruits and vegetables, but to revitalize the downtown business area in Eatontown that was adversely affected by the closing of Fort Monmouth last summer.

“We hope to create a sustainable, highly anticipated recurring community event that routinely attracts patrons to the downtown business area every Sunday from June to November in the coming years,” Green Team Council Liaison and Eatontown Council President Anthony Talerico said.

The Farmers Market will start this weekend with five to ten vendors selling products they grow or make themselves, and will run into the fall.

Products will include organic and naturally-grown produce, artisan breads and cheeses, gluten-free products, vegan products, grass-fed meats and dairy products, soy free organic eggs, honey, jams, jellies, fresh flowers, gourmet foods, and plants. Grilled, organic grass-fed hamburgers and hot dogs will soon be available for residents who attend the market.

Free parking will be provided in the three municipal lots on Throckmorton, Broad, and Lewis Streets. There will be a few short-term parking spaces available on West Street for drop-off and pick-up, only.

Those who would like to volunteer to help at the market this weekend can e-mail dfm@udeserve.info  or call 732-389-8700 for an application.