10th Annual Farmers Market Opens Saturday

Summer is just around the corner and that means it's time for another season of the annual Morris Plains Farmers Market.

The market's opening day is Saturday, and will be open every Saturday through Oct. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This is the 10th year in a row the borough will hold the market at Merchant's Block on Speedwell Avenue, right near . Organizers said they're expecting around 150 people on opening day.

Some of the vendors will be from Ort Farms, Krakus Deli, Hoboken Farms, and Sutton Family Farm.

Ort Farms from Long Valley will bring fresh fruits, vegetables, sweet corn and honey.

Krakus Deli will have fresh Polish sausages, pierogi, stuffed cabbage and bean soups.

Hoboken Farms will feature their fresh breads and rolls including artisan breads, croissants and scones. They will also have fresh mozzarella, ravioli, meat and fish.

Some of the desserts from Mara's will include fresh fruit pies, key lime pies, carrot cake, cookies, and quiches.

Fresh cheese and dairy will be provided from the Sutton Family Farm. There will be pickles, olives, and many other food options for guests to check out as well.

Councilwoman Suzanne McCluskey has been the market manager for the event for all 10 years, and said that while she really enjoys all of the food offered, one of her favorites is the fresh corn that comes from Ort Farms.

"When we get the corn, it is so sweet," she said. "It is picked that morning and delivered to the market."

There are several special events happening on most of the Saturdays throughout the season.

On June 30, there will be a "Petriotic Pet Parade" that invites residents to bring their pets dressed in patriotic costumes. There will also be cat adoptions, a pet boutique, and lemonade and music. The funds raised will go to the Denville Animal Shelter.

Some other upcoming events are a free blood pressure screening on July 7, a bake sale on July 21 and a Peach Party on Aug. 4.

McCluskey said that in addition to bringing this event for a decade for residents to enjoy some fresh food, she also wanted to help some businesses in the area.

"It's important that we really started it not just to bring the fresh fruit and vegetables and fresh food to the people in Morris Plains," McCluskey said, "but also to bring shoppers to our downtown."