Verona’s farmer’s market seeks more vendors for the upcoming season

31 minutes ago

It is a new year and new opportunities for new vendors interested in the Verona farmer’s market.

Coordinator Stefani Garibay said plans are underway for the upcoming season with the goal of adding more participants.

“With the year evolving the way it has been, and the plans for vaccinations to reach the general public by late spring, early summer, we plan to have an even busier year,” Garibay said.

The market is expected to open along East Railroad Avenue by the borough building on June 3, and be open from 2-7 p.m. every Thursday through mid-November.

This year’s vendor fee is $75 for the season, which is a $25 increase from last year. The vendor fee has been $50 for the past five years, Garibay said.

“We are providing a space for sellers, and the market has been producing people,” she said about the increase. “I think it’s appropriate for the time, for as many years as it’s been going a $25 raise doesn’t seem too bad for the whole season. I think that’s pretty fair.”

The market was open last year despite the covid pandemic.

Safety measures included vendors and patrons wearing masks and social distancing when possible. Vendor booths were spread out more across the field and organizers made a separate entrance and exit to control the flow of foot traffic.

“Last year’s market was fruitful for all, even during a time of uncertainty,” Garibay said. “Remaining essential helped our small businesses remain prosperous.

“So we definitely plan for a more eventful season, especially with Verona’s 150th celebration coming up this summer. Our plans are to continue to add vendors and put more emphasis on food trucks this year.”

Many of the same safety measures are expected to be in place this year unless otherwise directed by the state.

Tom Austin, owner and operator of Tom’s Candy Co., has been a Verona farmer’s market vendor for at least the past five years. He welcomes more businesses to this year’s activities.

“There are a lot of other farmers markets bigger around here, but I like going there because of the atmosphere,” he said. “It’s friendly. It’s almost like family. You get repeat customers that come every week to see you and to get your product. I think when you go to these bigger markets you lose that personal touch.

“If you’re there just to make money, forget it. You have friends in the other vendors. You have friends in the customers. It’s a fun atmosphere and everyone’s there to see each other.

“It’s more than selling stuff.”

Austin commended Garibay’s efforts in making last year’s market safe.

“All the rules for safety were followed,” he said. “Stefani always had somebody there, if it wasn’t herself, to make sure the rules were being followed.”

Market rules for vendors include having all prices displayed, all…