The Ventnor City Farmers Market is celebrating a decade of supporting local farmers, makers and small businesses. The weekly community market opens its 10th season on Friday, May 22, and has grown significantly since launching in 2016.
This season will feature live music coordinated by volunteer Len Ariff, anniversary-themed market bags and volunteer shirts showcasing a special 10th anniversary logo created by Rob Reed of Ventnor Vibe. Organizers also plan to host contests featuring fresh market produce during the summer.
Founded in 2016 by local residents Andy and Penni Starer, and Maria Gatta, the market has grown significantly over the past decade. What began with 26 vendors and 14 volunteers has expanded to more than 80 vendors, 40 volunteers and seven nonprofit organizations.
This year’s market includes 70 full-time vendors, including four new businesses, along with 16 part-time vendors, 10 of them new this season.
Eleven vendors have participated since the market’s inaugural year: Busy Bees, S & S Sports, Goji, Tony’s Farm Table, Viking Seafood, Monteleone Farms, Good Boy Biscuits, Spinella Farm, RSK Donuts, Bianca Del Mare and Red Room. Visitors will be able to identify the longtime vendors through special recognition signs displayed at the market.
“We’re especially happy to recognize the 11 vendors who have been with the market since the beginning,” said Maria Gatta, market manager and Red Room owner. “The market is also so appreciative of Holy Trinity Parish, Ventnor’s city officials, the police and fire departments, and the Public Works crew, all who work together to make the market a huge success.”
Market Manager Karen Warner said volunteers continue to play a key role in the market’s success.
“We couldn’t do this without our fabulous volunteers,” Warner said. “Our volunteers at the Welcome Booth greet everyone with happy smiles and free gifts for kids.”
Among the market’s longtime traditions is the “Old Coots,” a group of seniors known for offering free advice to shoppers and visitors with the motto: “It may not be the best advice, but it’s free!”
The market will run weekly through Sept. 4 from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of Holy Trinity Parish, 6421 Atlantic Ave. in Ventnor. Opening day festivities will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:20 a.m. The first 100 shoppers will receive a free gift when the market officially opens at 8:30 a.m.
