Market Fresh Fun!

Whether it’s fresh produce, gooey cinnamon rolls or the sour bite of a pickle that you crave, you’ll find it at the bustling and quaint farmers market in Boonton, New Jersey. I was lucky to visit on opening day and look forward to making it a regular stop throughout the coming months.

Organized by Boonton Main Street Executive Director Natalie Spingold and Market Manager Kelly Klinger, the market has been operating for well over a decade. Spingold took over three years ago with a goal. “My vision was to streamline and grow the market for our community, as well as the neighboring towns,” she says.

Klinger loves the unique connections made at Boonton Farmers Market. “The conversations you have with the vendors here are something you just won’t find at a grocery store,” says Klinger. “The market is a great place to shop local, support small businesses and spend time with family, friends and even fur-babies,” she adds.

Social Media Manager of Boonton Main Street, Lauren Mills, concurs, “The market feels like a mini festival; opening day is when everyone finally comes out of hibernation and reconnects at the market. There’s just something so special about seeing the community come back to life after winter,” she says.

Businesses Galore

The list of vendors is impressive, from bakeries to coffee, library story time, chalk, toys, bubbles, hula-hoops, and a gaga pit for children. Neighboring town scouts are offered a free table to meet the community and can do so by contacting Spingold. Live music entertains shoppers every week, and on the first Saturday of the month, the market hosts First Saturdays. “We partner with local businesses for kids’ crafts,” says Spingold. “Visit the Boonton Main Street Instagram account for updates @btnmainstreet,” she says.

“The vendors are just as excited to be a part of our market as our community is to visit,” says Klinger. “In addition to fresh produce and local goods, we also feature craft and artisan pop-up vendors offering handmade jewelry, candles, all-natural soaps, reusable products, and more! We also partner with Helpsy to host a Textile Drive to reduce clothing waste in landfills. You can stop by the Textile Drive tent at the market or visit our Instagram page to learn more about the accepted items list,” she adds.

After picking up a few treats to sample, there are picnic tables to stop and enjoy. Grab some shade in Canal Side Park and enjoy the live music just steps away, or peruse the extensive tent of produce and herbs to plant at home. The Boonton Main Street booth will welcome you with information about the town and its thriving business district.

When visiting the market, you will get a chance to experience Aidan World LLC; Barresi The Boonton Library; Buona Sera; Clove Acres; Coniglios Morristown LLC; Dreams Unwind Vintage; Emilia & Co Florals LLC; Good Sips; HarBee Beekeeping; Herb Thyme; I am Black; Imperfect Perfections; La Karamelee; Lake Born Coffee LLC; Liz’s Cookie Co.; Luigi Lu LLC; Lulus Artisanal Lemonade; Luscious Spirits Co.; Matute Windows; Roofing and Siding; Milk Street Distillery; Nadi Arte Crochet; New Leaf Flavors micro greens; NJ Chair Cart; North Jersey Homeschool Science Center; Pickle Me LLC; Pitcher Perfect Carniverous Plants; Quenby Mountain Farm; Race Farm; Rose and Ruth’s; Stretch Source; Su Essentials; Tealicioushop; Tentaciones; The Flour Shoppe NJ; The Red Barn Company; The Rolling Bean NJ; Threads By Shiuli; Twyla’s Treasures; Zabka Polish Specialties; Melis Sweet House; Katie’s Candles; and Binky’s Blooms and Bakes. Vendors can apply at boontonmainstreet.org/farmers-market.

“The market is a place for community and all of its members. People come not only to shop, but to gather, listen to music, have their kids play, and socialize. People tend to stay in most of the markets and hang out. We have noticed a big increase from neighboring towns, which we love,” says Spingold. “It’s a great way to spend a Saturday with friends, kids, and community. We offer so much, and you can support local, find and try new things. Please come for a visit,” she encourages.

Mills agrees, “Our market is growing and has become something really special and well known, something people genuinely wait for every year, and I’m very proud to be a part of that,” she says. Klinger adds, “Come say hi, meet new friends, and spend some time with us! We have live music, plenty of seating, and a fun children’s area for families to enjoy. I love being part of this community and working alongside the wonderful group of colleagues at Boonton Main Street!”

The Boonton Farmers Market is open every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., from May 16 through November 21. Located in the Upper Plane Street parking lot, parallel to Main Street and part of Canal Side Park.

Photographs by Antonietta Henry