August is New Jersey Peach Month and Burlington County’s celebrating the fuzzy sweet fruit this Saturday during the weekly Burlington County Farmers Market.
The Peach Party at the Farmers Market will be held from 8:30 AM to 1 PM this Saturday, Aug. 5, at the Burlington County Agricultural Center, 500 Centerton Road in Moorestown. The special peach-themed market day will feature several varieties of Jersey Fresh peaches for sale, along with scores of other peach products, including peach chutney, salsa, jams, teas, pies, cobblers, scones, cheese spreads, ice cream and more!
There will also be a peach-themed cooking demonstration, peach basket giveaways and free samples of peach cobbler and peach ice cream while supplies last.
“New Jersey is famous for its delicious peaches and there’s no better place to shop for the fruit and other items than the Burlington County Farmers Market, which continues to grow in popularity,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “Whether you’re a newcomer to the Farmers Market or a regular, this Saturday should be a great day to visit the Agricultural Center to shop, sample and enjoy the food, crafts and entertainment.”
New Jersey is one of the nation’s top growers of peaches, ranking in the top five in production in the U.S., according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Producers annually harvest approximately 60 million pounds with a wholesale value of about $35 million on nearly 4,000 acres.
Five different farms will be selling peaches at the market on Saturday. They are: Robson’s Farm, Folks Farm and Market, Cranberry Hall Farm, Durr’s Blue Box Produce and the Sparrow Lake. Another 13 additional agriculture vendors will be present, along with close to two dozen food vendors and 15 artists/craft vendors.
Musician Kenya Smith will also perform live during the market.
Now in its 17th season, the market is held Saturday mornings rain or shine from May through Nov. 11. Last year the county market was voted among the 10 most popular farmers markets in New Jersey during the annual web poll by the American Farmland Trust.
Fans can vote for their favorite market in this year’s poll by going online to https://markets.farmland.org/market/burlington-county-farmers-market/
Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel said the farmers market is a popular attraction and the economic engine for farmers and small businesses.
“Agriculture and farming is at the heart of our county’s history, culture and economy and the Agricultural Center and Farmers Market helps keep the industry viable and strong for present and future generations,” said Eckel. “If you enjoy great food, music, art and entertainment, be sure to visit the Burlington County Farmers Market every Saturday.”