SLIDESHOW: Hightstown Farmers' Market Kicks Off the Summer

A healthy crowd turned out for the start of the Friday afternoon. Customers in sampled baked goods, browsed produce and fine foods and, for the first time at the market, rented paddle boats in which to ride around Peddie Lake.

"This is a great night for opening the farmers' market," said Mayor Steve Kirson. "I'm really happy people are out, vendors showed up, and I anticipate it'll get bigger as the summer goes on."

Market founder Chris Moraitis said he too was happy with the way things were starting out. "It's better than usual," he said.

Pat Duncan, chair of the Hightstown Parks and Recreation Commission, said this is the first year Parks and Rec is renting paddle boats for visitors to ride around Peddie Lake. Just $2 per person gives you 15 minutes out on the lake—or longer if no one's in line. "This is a great community event," he said.

Jason Taylor, also on Parks and Rec, noted the visibility of the lake and the market. "It's the first thing you see when you come into town, the farmers' market and people on boats," he said. "It'll be a great source of community pride."