There’s a lot more than produce available
OCEAN CITY — Shoppers will find fresh produce, crafts, jewelry, clothing, art, decor and almost anything else during the weekly Ocean City Farmers Market, which continues Wednesdays through Sept. 14 on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue.
The market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Crafters are located along Asbury Avenue while other vendors are spread throughout the church grounds.
Last week, vendors were selling guacamole and wood cutting boards, baked goods and produce. Goji, with locations on the island and in Somers Point, was selling its health drinks next to Big Bad Dad’s jams. Hank’s Sauce was across from Schuler’s Bees & Honey. There also was lemonade, hot food and kettle corn, garden art and pet treats.
Julie Rose, 23, of Denmark, and cousin Ana Alanis, 26, of Oakland, Calif., get together every summer in Ocean City, where their grandmother has a home.
Alanis, who majored in political science and ethnic studies at University of California Berkley, was shopping for earrings.
“It’s a little time capsule farmers market where everything is so familiar,” she said. “I like the vibe, it’s chill.”
Maria Cartwright of Sewell, Gloucester County, owner of 222 Creations, sells handmade copper enameled jewelry and flame-painted copper jewelry.
She works at multiple farmers markets through southern New Jersey and said Ocean City’s is great because it’s midweek, giving her a chance to free up some weekend time that is filled throughout much of the year from March to December.
Carol Savoie and daughter Genevieve, 14, were selling produce from Savoie Organic Farm in Williamstown. They had red, orange and yellow peppers, plump red tomatoes, Romaine lettuce, cabbage and other vegetables.
Savoie said she and her husband, Barry, have been participating in the market for 10 or 12 years — since Genevieve was just a baby.
She said the market was amazing during the COVID-19 pandemic because it provided an outdoor space for shopping safely.
Savoie said many people who shop at their farm do so at the market as well, creating a two-location following.
“It’s been wonderful,” she said as she filled a bag for Yen Shih, 36, of Ardmore, Pa., who visits each summer for a week with his extended family.
John and Kaitlin Blevin of Maplewood were shopping for treats with daughters Karolina, 6, and Kamilla, 5. They stay for a week each summer but also visit often in the spring and fall.
Down the way, Buzby Farm of Woodstown was selling farm-fresh produce. The market mainstay has been part of the action from the beginning, with Kate Buzby saying they joined in 1987.
“It’s a great market,” she said.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff