Glen Rock’s New Sunday Farmers Market Launches This June

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May 12, 2017 – Glen Rock, NJ – Healthy, responsibly grown and locally-sourced farm-fresh ingredients are coming to Glen Rock next month with the launch of Bergen County’s newest farmers market.

The market will be held in the Borough Hall Employee Parking Lot and the adjoining lawn off of Rock Road, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., every Sunday from June 4 to October 15. The #175 Bus stops at the market and the Boro Hall Glen Rock train line is located across the street.

As an authentic “producers only” farmers market, the Glen Rock Farmers Market allows consumers the opportunity to speak directly with the farmers who have grown their food. Participating prepared food makers are required to source ingredients that are grown sustainably without the addition of toxic chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or genetically modified seeds. Sustainable farming methods don’t degrade soil, water, or other natural resources. When space allows, the market also includes art crafted by local fine artists.

“There will be a variety of prepared foods, fresh breads, cheeses, meats, produce, pickled and fermented items, and allergen-free offerings” explained Laura Occhipinti, one of the organizers of the market and a member of Glen Rock’s Environmental Commission. “Every category that people look for at a farmers market is covered, and pop-up vendors will also be joining every week.”

Beginning with three successful test markets last fall, the market has proven to be a positive force in the local economy.

“The market has inspired unexpected collaborations and new Glen Rock businesses,” said Market Director Alison Bloomfield. Vendors include Sheila Bober, a Glen Rock resident, who launched the brand Dacha to fulfill her lifelong dream to introduce the public to the Russian fizzy and fermented probiotic-rich pickled flavors of her childhood. Bober will be buying much of her produce from two of the market’s vegetable farmers: Poplar Wood and MEVO. Chris Leishear of the gardening and compost services company Farmburbia is another new Glen Rock vendor. Leishear says the prospect of joining the market was what inspired him to officially launch his business. Chris will be chatting about composting while selling his custom designed raised beds, compost bins, and gardening services.

Students and community members will be volunteering at the market, and town nonprofit clubs and organizations will be joining to disseminate information and help further the mission with a community activity. Glen Rock High School art students will be providing an interactive community art project every-other-week. Lizzmonade, a popular locally sourced fruit-infused lemonade stand, has hired members of the community, including Glen Rock High School and college students, to staff their booth. “It’s really exciting to witness all of the relationships that are forming simply because the market exists,” said Bloomfield.

Glen Rock’s brick-and-mortar businesses have also benefited from the market. “This will be a valued and loved addition to our borough. Our pilot market surveys proved that the Sunday markets resulted in notable downtown retail sales,” said Glen Rock Councilwoman Amy Martin. “Kilroy’s Wonder Market is at the entrance of the farmers market. Market visitors shopped at Kilroys after leaving the farmers market, and survey respondents detailed numerous purchases made at the downtown retailers before and after their farmers market visit.”

This year’s vendors and products include Glen Rock Chef Meiganne Serrano’s Empanadas, Dacha Pickles, Poplar Wood Farm, MEVO, Prospect Hill Orchards’, Growing Dirt’s pasture raised meats, Top Of The Mountain Honey, gourmet cheese and sausage from Bella Mozzarella, Glen Rock’s Merves Kitchen and Bakery, Greenwood Lake Roaster’s locally roasted fair trade and organic craft coffee, farm-sourced desserts from Corbett’s Kitchen, and handmade fresh bread from Artisan Oven Central Bread Bakery among many others. Vendors are currently being announced on the Glen Rock Farmers Market Facebook page. A full list of vendors and events can be found on www.GRFarmersMarket.com

Be sure to bring your friends and family to our Opening Day Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on June 4th at 11 a.m., which will include a performance by Glen Rock High School sophomore and singer/songwriter Cat Merkle, who will be accompanied by Bloomfield’s eight-year-old son, Will Bloomfield. Other local musicians will perform regularly throughout the season.

The Glen Rock Farmers Market has been made possible with the support of Mayor Bruce Packer, Market Liaison Councilwoman Amy Martin, and the entire Governing Body of Glen Rock.