Decade-Old Farmers' Market Still Entices

In its 10th year, again proved why it's been named one of America's top three farmers' markets.

In an American Farmland Trust (AFT) poll—which drew, according to the borough website, just under 30,000 votes recognizing various markets across the nation—Collingswood's was named one of the top.

And this past Saturday, as the 2011 Collingswood Farmers' Market opened for its second weekend of the season, around 1,000 market-goers and vendors explained why.

"We've been coming for years," said borough resident Hugh McGuire of his family. "It's always changing, and that's why we come."

But McGuire's 6-year-old son, Mark, said his favorite part of the market never changes.

"I come to the farmers' market because they give out kettle corn," said Mark, dipping his tiny hand into a popcorn box to reveal kernels of treasure, before popping them into his mouth.

Mark's brother, Hugh Jr., agreed.

"I like the kettle corn, too, but I also like the farmers' market because I can get stuff—like plants—to bring home," Hugh Jr. said.

The McGuires are one of many families who will enjoy the outdoor, rain-or-shine event, which runs from 8 a.m. to noon, along the PATCO speedline between Collings and Irvin avenues, every Saturday from May through November.

Heather Brandolph is enjoying the market from another angle—through the eyes of a vendor. She's been selling her handmade soap line, Rochelle Rose, at Collingswood Farmers' Market for the past five years.

"The only noticeable change from years past is the location of vendors," Brandolph said of this year's market. "A lot of the vendor booths are in different locations this year. We moved from the end, to mid-way down the market path."

Brandolph cited one reason for her five-year history of renting a booth at Collingswood Farmers' Market.

"It's just a great community event, everybody's friendly," she said. "My favorite thing about it is seeing the same people month after month, year after year. Collingswood Farmers' Market is a really nice place to do business; it has such a great community vibe."

And in the five years she's rented a booth, Cherry Hill resident Brandolph said she's formed relationships with the Collingswood community.

"(The farmers' market) is really ideal. We do a lot of wholesale, and can't connect with our customers," she said. "But here, we can actually come out and mingle with the customers, get to know them, know their likes and dislikes. We gain insight into which products are in demand."

But soaps were just one product on-site at Saturday's market. Dozens of vendors were lined up and down the long parking lot parallel to Atlantic Avenue, offering fresh produce, coffee, flowers, bread, meats, eggs, handmade butters and cheeses, and crafts. Find more information at the Collingswood Farmers' Market website, collingswoodmarket.com. 

But of everything Saturday had to offer, 6-year-old Collingswood girl Tatum Randazzo explained the fun best.

"I love that there's so many doggies here," said Tatum as she glanced around for the nearest pooch, finding only her friends instead. "And that I get to see all my friends at the farmers' market! That's my other favorite thing."

As old friends mingled, including Tatum and her little girlfriends—who pushed around a baby doll in a pink stroller—new friends were made.

A few blocks away, a live, Irish-themed music from the Strayaway Saints floated past the market stands and shoppers Saturday, it especially caught the ears of one single boy.

The toddler's mother stood off to the side, laughing, as her son waddled up to the three-piece band—featuring a vocalist, violinist and acoustic guitarist—and introduced himself by busting a few, fresh dance moves.

Enthralled by their tiny new fan, band members tried to suppress laughter as the young child enthusiastically twirled and clapped to the rhythm. 

His moves captured the musicians' hearts, and they gave in, clapping with him and encouraging his joyous dancing.

Whenever the three adults finished a song, the toddler clapped and clapped until the next began.

Whether its making new friends or meeting old ones, Collingswood Farmers' Market brought the spirit of community to life—once again.

----------

Like Collingswood Patch on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.