Santa Claus Visits Moorestown For Winter In July Saturday

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Santa Claus and children around the world can’t wait until December for the holiday season to begin. In Moorestown this weekend, they won’t have to.

Burlington County will host its inaugural Winter in July celebration in Moorestown this weekend, county officials announced.

It takes place as part of the county's weekly farmers market at the Burlington County Agricultural Center on Centerton Road in Moorestown, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Santa Claus will arrive at 10 a.m.

“The calendar may read July, but it’s never too soon to shop local and our County Farmers Market is a fantastic place to find fresh, locally-grown produce, foods and crafts,” Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson said. “Our farms and vendors are local small businesses, and many of them were challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. By patronizing them, we’re helping them recover while also supporting our own neighbors, friends and communities.”

More than 50 farms and vendors are expected to participate in the event, which will feature special holiday artisans selling holiday crafts and treats, plus a plethora of Jersey-fresh flowers, plants and produce.

Holiday-themed cooking demonstrations featuring frozen hot chocolate begin at 10 a.m. Toys for Tots will be on hand to collect new and unwrapped toys for children. There will also be live music and entertainment by Joshua Holland.

The farmers market provided a safe, open-air environment where farmers and vendors could sell their crops and goods throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Burlington County Commissioner Linda Hynes said.

“Our farmers market has always been a popular destination for residents to shop, but the pandemic highlighted just how vital it is for not only our farmers and vendors but also our residents,” said Hynes, liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “We’ve made a lot of progress in getting back to a new normal, but we know that the market is still incredibly important for these small businesses.”

The event follows Burlington County’s Restaurant Week, which saw a record 45 restaurants and eateries participate, officials said. Restaurant Week was organized by the Burlington County Board of Commissioners and state Senators Dawn Marie Addiego and Troy Singleton.

“Small businesses make up the backbone of our county’s economy and our communities, so we need to do everything we can to help them rebound from a rough 2020,” Hopson said. “Restaurant Week and the Farmers Market’s Winter Holidays in July promotions are ways our County is trying to assist them by getting the word out about the importance of shopping and dining local, not just during the holidays but all year round.”