Ventnor City Farmers Market Managers Penni and Andy Starer.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
VENTNOR It's official. Summer 2021 is here. The Ventnor City Farmers Market kicked off the summer season bright and early the Friday of Memorial Day weekend. If the crowd that showed up to shop plump red Jersey Fresh strawberries are any indication of what the summer holds, it will be one fabulous post-pandemic summer at the Jersey shore.
Hundreds of shoppers shuffled into the market grounds, which were expanded this year to accommodate the long list of new vendors added to the mainstay vendors, many of whom have been with the market since it opened in 2016.
Market Managers Penni and Andy Starer, and Maria Gatta have taken over the entire parking lot at St. James Church this year and will hold the market 8:39 a.m. to noon every Friday morning until Labor Day.
Penni Starer said most of the original vendors have stayed throughout the years, and more are expected to join the market in the coming weeks.
We have 50 vendors today, but by July 4, we will have 60 vendors, she said. Five years ago, we started the market with 23 vendors. We can't keep up with all the requests we get and have a waiting list of pop-up vendors.
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Although last year's market held mandatory mask wearing and social distancing protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year, it was refreshing to see the smiles on the faces of shoppers.
One thing missing during the beginning of this season is the Old Coots Giving Advice tent. However, Andy Starer said if the season goes well and COVID stays away, it is likely the old folks will be back giving advice.
It may not be good advice, but its free advice, the Starers chimed in.
When asked what the market team expects this year besides good weather, Penni Starer responded: We just want people to feel the positive vibes. We want their first thoughts on Friday mornings to be, I've got to get to the Ventnor City Farmers Market.'
Opening day vendors included:
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