Winter Farmers’ Market Moves Its Wares From Hinds Plaza to Library’s Community Room

Ellen Gilbert

There was bok choy and beaded jewelry at the most recent Princeton Farmers’ Market, which was held in the Princeton Public Library’s Community Room.

In a nod to the season and the temperature, the market, which had been held weekly in Hinds Plaza during the warmer months, moved indoors and included a number of crafters selling their wares, along with the usual array of mushrooms, cheeses, eggs, apples, and greens.

“Everybody here is quality,” said Market Manager Judith K. Robinson of the craftspeople who participated. “They’ve all been vetted.” 

“I’m trying to find things for women who have everything in the world in fashion,” said Princeton Junction resident Gloria Lieberman, happily perusing a table of hand-knit gloves, hats, mittens, and sweaters. “I’m just getting started.”

Multimedia journalist and Hopewell resident Jared Flesher was also on hand. His movie, The Farmer and the Horse, has been chosen to appear in the 2011 Princeton Environmental Film Festival, and will be screened at the library on January 18 at noon. He described it as “a story about three young farmers in New Jersey who think it might be a good idea to farm with draft horses instead of tractors.” Admission will be free, and following the screening Mr. Flesher and two of the organic farmers featured in the film will answer audience questions. Mr. Flesher’s internet web address is jtflesher.com.

While the gift-oriented event ran until 6:30 p.m., future Winter Farmers’ Markets will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month, which is to say January 13, February 10, March 10, and April 14. Weekly markets will return on May 19.

Although some of the regular farmers who don’t have greenhouses are no longer represented, there are a number of familiar faces who continue to participate. “These are definitely not in-and-out people,” said Ms. Robinson. “A good percentage of the original group is here.”

Delicious morsels were there for the sampling at Jen’s Cakes & Pastries table (www.lillipies.com); beads and jewelry by Jessica Giovacchini were on display (www.Bead4you.com); and handmade ceramics by Rod Martino’s were available [(215) 962-4621]. Author Huck Fairman sold copies of his book, Noah’s Children (“One Man’s Response to the Environmental Crisis,”) and tangy tastes of artisanal cheeses lured hungry passers-by (njCheese.com).

Other regulars include Cherry Grove Organic Farm, Chickadeecreek Farm, Valley Shepherd Creamery, Lima Family Farms, Tassot Apiaries, Davidson’s Exotic Mushrooms, Nic’s Shortbreads, Terhune Orchards, and Whole Earth.

Ms. Robinson will make an additional appearance at the Princeton Public Library on Monday, January 10 at 7:30 p.m. as a participant in the program, “Farming In and Around Princeton: Past, Present, and Future.” She will lead a panel discussion that will include a local historian, a tenth generation farmer, a native species consultant, and a new farmer.

For more information visit www.princetonfarmersmarket.com.

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