The Burlington County Farmers Market at the Burlington County Agricultural Center will celebrate its 18th season on Saturday, May 11, with a special Opening Day Market dedicated to spring gardens.
From 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. shop from more than 60 different vendors selling Jersey-fresh produce, seasonal plants and flowers, delicious, prepared foods, creative crafts and specialty items. There will also be gardening demonstrations, a free cooking class, activities for adults and children, presentations, plus live music.
Close to four dozen farms and food vendors are expected to be at the market’s Opening Day, plus another 15 artists and crafters.
Among the participating farms and vendors is Fernbrook Farms. The Chesterfield farm is a newcomer to the market and specializes in community-supported agriculture and wholesale nursery products, including ornamentals, conifers, flowering plants, trees and shrubs.
Some of the returning farms and vendors include Bart’s Flowers, Black Sheep Farm, Cranberry Hall Farm, Foggy Bottom Tree Farm, J&B Farm Fresh, James Durr Wholesale Florist, Little Hooves Romneys, Mill Creek Apiary, Pinelands Produce, Recklesstown Farm Distillery, Armageddon Brewing, Cheese Etc., Fat Belly Bacon and Harvest Coffee, among others.
In addition to shopping, don’t miss the cooking demonstrations in the Farmhouse kitchen or the hands-on activities and presentations that are planned, such as planting succulents and pressing flowers.
The Master Gardeners will do a presentation on how to grow and care for fig trees at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. The organization will also hold a composting demonstration at 10:30 a.m.
Market goers can also learn about community and wildlife habitats, pollinators and rose care during presentations by the National Wildlife Federation and other groups.