Farmers all over New Jersey and in surrounding states are beginning their harvests, and farmers markets all over Jersey City will be bringing that farm-fresh goodness to us city dwellers starting this weekend. The season officially kicks off at the Van Vorst Park Farmers Market on Saturday, April 22. Marc Wesson of the Friends of Van Vorst Park says, “This year we will also have health related events at the market throughout the season, provided by the Health Dept and local hospitals.”

In addition to the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables most of the local farmers markets also feature prepared foods from local businesses and food trucks, artisan foods including nuts, grains, pickles, oils, honey, organic meats, fish and cheeses, baked goods, fresh cut flowers, potted plants and herbs, health and beauty goods, and much more.

Many of the Jersey City farmers markets have also branched out to include live music, children’s activities, outdoor yoga classes, cooking demonstrations and other special events. “We try to have different entertainment options throughout the season,” says HPA market manager Debbie Walters. “The Backyard Jug Band will perform at the Hamilton Park Farmers Market opening on May 3. A bubble festival is planned for August and Santa makes an appearance at our last market of the year!”

2017 marks the 10th year the Historic Downtown Farmers Market has been operating and the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District will commemorate the occasion with a fun-filled afternoon. Opening day festivities on May 1 will included a ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Steven Fulop, Dancing Tony (Susco) of the the Rock-it Docket will DJ, local beer and wines will be available, and you’ll be able to take a selfie on the Stony Hill Farm tractor!

The free live music series “Music in the Park,” held the first Sunday of every month, will help kick off opening day at the Riverview Farmers Market on May 7 — entertainment lineup TBA. “We’ll also be scheduling free art activities for children, cooking demonstrations by local chefs, a recycling program in collaboration with the Riverview Community Garden, a donation-based yoga class taught by Yoga in the Heights, our annual Peach Pie Contest (to be held on August 20), wellness events, and more, says Jessica Murphy of Farms in the Heights.

Here’s the full list of the city’s markets:

Arlington Park Farmers Market
Arlington Avenue and Grand Street
Opens Saturday, June 3 and runs every Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm until October 28. SNAP/EBT, WIC and Senior FMNP vouchers are accepted by all five farmers at this market. Organized by Friends of Arlington Park.
Friends of Arlington Park Facebook Page

Hamilton Park Farmers Market
Eighth Street and Jersey Avenue (around the gazebo)
Opens Wednesday, May 3 and runs every Wednesday from 3 – 7:30 pm until December 20. EBT/SNAP vouchers are accepted by both farmers at this market and the popcorn vendor accepts WIC. Organized by the Hamilton Park Association.
hpnajc.org

Historic Downtown Farmers Market
Grove Street PATH Plaza (Newark Avenue and Grove Street)
Opens Thursday, May 1 and runs every Monday and Thursday from 4 – 8 pm until December 22, with the exception of Labor Day and Thanksgiving Day. WIC and Senior FMNP vouchers are accepted by Ort and Stony Hill farmers at this market. Organized by the Historic Downtown SID.
jcdowntown.org

Journal Square Farmers Market
Journal Square Plaza (at the Fountain & Kiosk)
Opens Wednesday, May 3 and runs every Wednesday and Friday from 11 am – 7 pm until December 22. SNAP and WIC are accepted by farmers and non-prepared food vendors at this market. Organized by The New Journal Square.
thenewjournalsquare.com

Lincoln Park Farmers Market
West Side Avenue (next to St. Aloysius church)
Runs every Sunday from 10 am – 3 pm from June until October. Organized by the West Side Community Alliance.
jcwsca.org

Paulus Hook Farmers Market
Washington Street south of Dudley St. (next to the Korean War Memorial)
Opens Saturday, April 29 and runs every Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm until December 23. SNAP, WIC, Senior FMNP vouchers and Family first cards are accepted at this market. Organized by the Historic Paulus Hook Association.
paulushook.org

Riverview Farmers Market
Riverview-Fisk Park, Palisade Avenue (between Griffith and Bowers St.)
Opens Sunday, May 7 and runs every Sunday from 10 am – 3 pm until November 19. SNAP/EBT, WIC and Senior FMNP vouchers are accepted by all five farmers at this market. Organized by Farms in the Heights.
riverviewfarmersmarket.org

Van Vorst Park Farmers Market
Jersey Ave. and Montgomery St. (around the gazebo)
Opens Saturday, April 22 and runs every Saturday from 8 am – 3:30 pm until December 23. WIC and Senior FMNP vouchers accepted by both farmers at this market. Organized by Friends of Van Vorst Park.
fvvp.org

*While most of the farmers markets are flourishing both the Leonard Gordon Park and Newport farmers markets will not be offered this year.

Wondering what kind of fresh food will likely be available at the farmers markets and when? Need ideas on what to do with your farm-fresh goods, once you’ve brought them home? Look for our tips next week on JCI.

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