Farmers Market Harks Back To Medieval Times In Farmingdale

FARMINGDALE, NJ — The monthly farmers market in town is never just about fruits and vegetables. And if you visit on Saturday, you might think you traveled back to Medieval times.

Each month, the volunteer Recreation Commission in this small borough in the center of much larger Howell Township goes all out to present a themed market. There have been markets with fairies and flamingos in past months.

This Saturday, be prepared to see knights and unicorns and various other signs that you may not be in Farmingdale anymore. But you will be.

The Medieval Market starts at 9 a.m. at 11 Asbury Ave. at the Farmingdale Community Center.

The day starts early with these events:

• Kids archery from 9 a.m. t0 10 a.m.
• Arts and Science demonstrations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Medieval games from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Unicorn rides from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Battle show at 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Costume contest at noon
• A second Battle show from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

This month's event is sponsored by Nova Heating & Air.

Amanda Levers, one of the volunteer organizers, said the town is also asking that attendees bring non-perishable food items for Joshua House, a ministry in Farmingdale that collects food, clothing and other items.

Levers said the Medieval theme will be enhanced with the services of Markland, a nonprofit historical educational organization, based in Maryland that operates from Virginia through the New York City area. Markland performs re-enactments as well as providing cultural information about the period.

And be prepared to hear some Old English. The greeting, "Wes Tu Hal!" literally translates to the modern English, "How do you hail?" The question was a typical greeting in Saxon England, the organization's website says.

Members of Markland "re-enact medieval life by constructing and using reproductions of the period's accouterments, and have a lot of fun educating the public (and each other) with what they have learned in the process," the website adds.

On a softer note, the Fun Pony Parties company will provide the "unicorn" rides, Levers said.

As with every market day, there will be vendors on site, music, food and even a "Lords and Ladies Tea Time," Levers said. But the tea party, being held on picnic blankets on the trail at the Community Center, is already fully booked, she added.

Levers said parking may be at a premium because she has already received 700 responses on Facebook, but attendees can park at the school on Academy Street or on side streets.