Hundreds Visit Wagner Farm's Market on Opening Day

A steady stream of customers pulled into the lot at Wagner Farm Arboretum's grand opening of its Farmers Market, last week.

While the market had two unfilled stalls—set aside for vendors expected to make it this week's event—shoppers nonetheless found fresh produce, baked goods, gourmet pickles, cheeses, meats, nuts and dried fruit available.

WFA President Suzanne Smith said she was happy with the early traffic, and noted the market is working on adding a winery, specialty cheese maker and more.

Also, Malanga Farms will be on hand with fresh local honey, jellies and jams beginning this week.

The market will be open every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. through Oct. 10.

Particpating vendors include:

• Baker’s Bounty, Linden: bakersbounty.net  (908) 587-1602; Breads, rolls, cookies, danish, muffins, scones, cakes, pies;
• Breadsmith, Cranford: www.breadsmith.com  (908) 587-1602; Artisan breads and sweets;
• Gourmet Nuts & Dried Fruit, East Hanover; (201) 966-8823; Nuts, dried fruit, and pickles'
• Mini Mac Farm, Long Valley; www.minimacfarm.com (973) 713-9770; Fresh brown eggs, Naturally-raised beef, pork, poultry, Naturally-grown produce, flowers, milk;
• Paolo’s Kitchen, New Providence; www.paoloskitchen.com  (908) 219-4166; Italian specialty dishes, fresh mozzarella & ricotta cheese, desserts, gluten free dishes;
• The Promised Land Farm, Long Valley; promisedlandfarmcsa.com 201-982-3623; Naturally grown produce, The Promised Land Farm CSA;
• Unionville Vineyards, Ringoes; www.unionvillevineyards.com; Award-winning artisanal wines.
• Windsong Farm, Warren; http://windsongorganicfarm.com (908) 464-2070; Fresh seasonal produce. Windsong Farm is on the site of the well-known Farmer John’s Organic Produce, on King George Road, Warren Township. The farm is one of the earliest organic vegetable operations in the state, established by Farmer John Canright in the early 1970s.

All produce is grown using organic practices.

New vendors are welcome to participate in the market. Contact the Wagner Farm Arboretum office at amcgowan@wfafnj.org or (908) 350-7383.