Organizers have expanded this year with more vendors in Somers Point
SOMERS POINT — A farmers market sprouted on the grounds of Somers Mansion and is expected to continue growing in its third season.
Rob Hopkins, a member of the city’s Economic Development Advisory Commission who was tasked with organizing and managing the market, said everyone geared up for this year’s festivities.
The market features 15 to 30 vendors from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays from June 3 through Sept. 2.
“We have a lot of the same returning vendors and some new ones,” Hopkins said Saturday.
He said the grounds of the mansion, which is at the intersection of Shore Road and Route 52 — the main route into Ocean City — provides an incredible location for a farm market.
Not only is it spacious and accessible with plenty of parking, but it is grassy and shaded and includes a fantastic view of Great Egg Harbor Bay, as well as a cool sea breeze.
He said the site lets the organizers accommodate vendors with irregular setups rather than the standard 10×10 in a hot parking lot.
Hopkins said they are expanding to include some nonprofit and other groups this year and have plenty of room for more vendors.
“We’re just hoping to keep it growing and maybe piggyback off some of the new traffic coming into town for the beach concerts Friday nights,” Hopkins said, noting the city is very supportive. “It’s just one more aspect to keep people coming to town and learning about the new businesses that are around.”
Shoppers can expect to find produce, prepared foods, treats (for humans and pets) and other goods, as well as live music from local bands.
Hopkins said he has a good mix, with some cycling in and out based on their availability. That leaves periodic openings for new vendors who want to try it out without committing to every week. He said those interested in getting involved should email localfarmstand@yahoo.com.
Among the vendors last summer were Carmen Adamucci and Megan Doughty of Earth Products Essentials based in Port Norris. They sell industrial hemp-derived health and wellness products such as CBD, CBN and CBG oils and creams. Others were Twisted Lemon Beverage Co. of Millville, Drip N’ Scoop ice cream and Busy Bees NJ.
Longport resident Debbie DiEva Dulin of Bianca Del Mare was selling handmade soaps and jewelry, while Egg Harbor Township resident Stephen Richards, along with his wife and daughter, were selling Chef Steve’s Popcorn and fresh lemonade.
There were fresh cut flowers for sale next to baked goods such as cupcakes, cookies and brownies.
Rebecca Parker and daughter Emilie, 16, of Alloway Township in Salem County, offered pesticide-free vegetables and pastured meats.
Hopkins said another really neat thing about the site is its historic nature. The home is the oldest in Atlantic County and the heritage garden is growing in the same soil where the Somers family raised their produce.
“It’s not just a parking lot. It’s got the history, bay views, a nice little breeze. It seems chill and tranquil,” Hopkins said. “The location is what’s going to help us grow in the future once people come to see it.”
Hopkins and his wife, Desiree, operate Local Farm Stand at the market, selling a cornucopia of fresh vegetables from a farm in Hammonton. They grew up in Waterford Township and have known each other since childhood.
Hopkins said he has been working for three years to get the market up and running. As a boy, he sold produce from his uncle’s farm stand right out of a greenhouse in Hammonton, where he said his family still does some farming.
There will be increased advertising this year. Hopkins said he just received seven 4×8 signs that will be erected around the city and stay up for the entire season.
“We are hoping to pick up new traffic and also grabbing weekly visitors crossing the bridge,” he said.
Vendor fees go straight to the nonprofit Patriots for Somers Mansion and thus are tax-deductible. The group uses the funds to restore and maintain the mansion, which is owned by the New Jersey Park Service.
Built between 1720 and 1726 by Richard Somers, the mansion contains many objects of local historical interest, including a collection of local quilts and woven coverlets and many early samplers.
The mansion is furnished as it might have been during the Somers’ era, with some pieces even used by the family in the 18th century.
The mansion remained in the Somers family until 1937 when it was deeded to the Atlantic County Historical Society. In 1941, it was transferred to the state and is a State Historic Site.
There is plenty of parking in a lot off MacArthur Boulevard below the mansion, a handicapped-accessible bathroom on site and access via foot or bike from the city bike path.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff