Fall is in full swing and Burlington County plans to celebrate one of the season’s signature foods: the squash.
Squash Day at the Burlington County Farmers Market will be held from 8:30 AM to 1 PM on Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Burlington County Agricultural Center, 500 Centerton Road in Moorestown. The special squash-themed market day will feature several varieties of squash and squash prepared foods for sale, including pumpkins, zucchini, butternut squash and more.
There will also be a squash cooking demonstration, squash basket giveaways, pumpkin decorating and free butternut squash soup samples while supplies last.
“Pumpkins and other squashes are fall time favorites and one of the best places to shop for them is at the Burlington County Farmers Market,” said Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel, liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “If you’re looking for delicious seasonal produce and foods, decorations, gifts or just a fun day out with your family, the Farmers Market is the place to be every Saturday. Squash Day brings an extra dose of fall fun and excitement.”
New Jersey is one of the top producers of the squash, growing more than 31.2 million pounds of the fruit, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Burlington County had a total of 33 farms producing squash and 107 acres harvested, ranking the county 6th in the state for squash production.
Fourteen different farms are scheduled to sell crops on Squash Day, including the 1895 Organic Farm, Barts Flowers, Black Sheep Farm, Cherry Grove Farm, Cranberry Hall Farm, Davidson’s Exotic Mushrooms, Durr’s Blue Box Produce, J&B Farm Fresh, Little Hooves Romney’s, Mill Creek Apiary, Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy, Pinelands Produce, Robson’s Farm and Recklesstown Farm Distillery.
Another 25 food vendors will also be present, including Peewee’s Ice Cream, The Soup Bar, East Coast Empanadas, Fat Belly Bacon, Aaji’s Foods, HoopHouse Bakery, Wildflour Bakery, Jersey Pickles, Humble Spud, Harvest Coffee, Mom Mom’s Polish Food, Armageddon Brewing and Forgotten Boardwalk Brewing.
There will be a collection of crafters and artists selling their creations. Musician Joshua Holland is also scheduled to perform live.
Now in its 17th season, the farmers market is held Saturday mornings beginning in May through the extended fall season.
In past years, the last market day would be in October. Due to its popularity, the season was extended until Nov. 11, giving county residents additional Saturdays to visit and shop.
There will also be the traditional pre-holiday markets on Saturday, Nov. 18, and Saturday, Dec. 2. Both markets are from 10 AM to 2 PM and are typically the biggest market days of the year.
“The Burlington County Farmers Market at the Agricultural Center grows more popular each week and we’re thrilled to see the season extended to give residents more opportunities to shop and enjoy the markets unique mix of food, music, art and entertainment,” said Eckel. “It’s a great way to spend a Saturday, so make plans to go on Squash Day or another Saturday this season.”