Warwick resident helps organize new farmers' market at the Crystal Springs Resort

HARDYSTON, N.J. — A Warwick resident has helped organize a new Sussex County bi-state farmers’ market which opened last Saturday, giving area residents a new option to buy farm fresh produce from New York and New Jersey growers. Located on the grounds of the Resort at Crystal Springs on Route 94 in Hardyston, N.J., the Crystal Springs Farmers’ Market is unique in because it represents farming communities on both sides of the border, according to organizing consultant Linda Glohs a Warwick resident and former executive director of the Warwick Chamber of Commerce. “This can be a real stimulus to the area,” said Glohs, who started working on the project in the late winter. “A market like this helps keep farmers in business. It supports agricultural communities in the immediate area and helps them to directly reach the consumer with fresh local produce. It may not always be cheaper than in the store, but it’s probably picked at 4 a.m. that morning if not the night before.” Now that all is in place, Glohs, who organized the successful Warwick Farmers’ Market about 15 year ago, has handed over market operations to the Crystal Springs Resort. “I feel like someone who has just handed off their baby,” she said. Over 200 people stopped by the farmers’ market at its inaugural weekend, said Melissa Curving, Crystal Springs Resort market manager, with six vendors initially participating. This weekend, that number will jump to 10; and grow to 12 on Saturday, June 28 as more produce becomes available. “It’s great to have this locally for the community,” said Curving, “and we’re happy to show our support to local agriculture.” The market, she added, will feature educational displays, entertainment and special events. New York farmers and producers are: the Rogowski Farm of Pine Island, with its vegetables and herbs and “black dirt kitchen” prepared foods; fresh cut flowers from Grammy’s Garden; Bread Alone’s organic bakery; Pennings Farm produce, varied annuals and perennials from Warwick Gardens; and vegetables and herbs from the Martin Rodriquez Farm, part of New York’s New Farmer Development Project. Participating New Jersey farmers and producers are: Windy Brow Farms with its orchard fruits and fruit pies; fresh picked berries from Berry Hill Farms; old-fashioned barrel pickles from “Picklelicious”; homemade preserves using locally grown berries from B&B Jams; Dana Ray farms and its goat’s milk soap, honey, preserves, and free-range eggs; and hand-made soaps from Sunrise Mountain Soap. The market, Curving said, is part of Crystal Springs’ long term plans to develop a “neo-traditional town center,” similar to Vail, Colo. on the resort’s property, with the farmers’ market eventually becoming the centralized, focal point. But business plans aside, Glohs felt the collective societal value of a farmers’ market is enormous. “The farmers are so proud of what they’ve grown,” said Glohs. “They’ve probably done this for a generation or two. This is produce that comes from their (farmers’) local kitchens.” From the consumer side, she felt, buyers get a chance to experience the feel and flavor of a farmer’s market. “From the social/cultural level, people meet those farmers that have grown the food,” Glohs said. “There is tremendous social interaction that you will find with each others. It will be an experience.” Area Farmers’ Markets • Florida Farmers’ Market -- Route 17A, across from Big V ShopRite headquarters. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 19 through Oct. 9 • Goshen Farmers’ Market -- Village Square. Park at the intersection of Main and Church streets. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 18 to Oct. 26 • Monroe Farmers’ Market -- Museum Village parking lot, 1010 Route 17M. Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 22 though October • Tuxedo Farmers’ Market -- 240 Route 17, Tuxedo train station, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 16 to Oct. 27 • Warwick Valley Farmers’ Market: South Street parking lot, off Main Street. Sundays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 20 to Oct. 28 Got milk? Got produce? Are you a local grower and interested in joining other local vendors, including produce farmers, cheese/dairy farmers, wineries and makers of homemade jams, mustards and other food products at the Crystal Springs Farmers’ Market? If so, call Melissa Curving at 973-827-3088 or visit: www.crystalspringsbuilders.com.