The Kearny Farmers Market is now in its 10th season.
KEARNY –
The wine is gone, but a bakery is hoped for and periodic public healthrelated booths are joining the three regular vendors.
That’s the lineup for this season’s Kearny Farmer’s Market as it enters its 10th season, offering its wares on Thursdays through Oct. 29 on Garfield Ave. next to the Public Library.
Back from last year are Alstede Farms of Chester and Union Hill Farms of Denville – both have been bringing their fresh produce to the market from the beginning – alongside J&R Cookies of Garfield.
Four Sisters Winery of Belvidere lasted only one season at the market and Councilwoman Susan McCurrie, counsel to the Kearny Urban Enterprise Zone Corp., which sponsors the market, said the winery apparently “couldn’t get the staffing” to maintain a weekly presence in Kearny.
McCurrie said that the nearby Domingues Bakery on Kearny Ave. applied for a replacement vendor slot “and we’re hoping to get them in.” As of last week, the bakery owner – a recent arrival to the town’s main shopping district – was still working on the logistics of operating a second site.
“It’s not an easy thing to manage because you’re outdoors all the time and you need someone to stay with it over a long day,” she added.
The market is also exploring the possibility of accommodating an olive and pickle vendor if it can find sufficient space on Garfield to do so, McCurrie said.
Meanwhile, the market is fitting in monthy guest appearances by Kearny-based Holsman Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation P.C. On July 2, they gave free hand grips and strength assessments, plus raffle prizes and complimentary chiropractic consultations.
And, on July 23, the Jersey City Department of Health & Human Services will offer blood screenings to check for lead, provide educational materials on lead poisoning prevention and a tote bag giveaway.
During July and August, patrons who purchase $10 worth of items from a market vendor will get a coupon for a $1 discount. Market hours are Thursdays, from noon to p.m. WIC vouchers are also accepted.
“Last year,” McCurrie said, “there was a significantly larger group of coupons traded in for multiple purchases so the policy seems to have caught on. Also, many people are stopping at the market for their weekly produce shopping.”
Market visitors are also coming from out of town to shop there, McCurrie said. “Aside from our own senior bus making stops there, the market is also a destination for the Harrison Senior Bus.”
– Ron Leir
