Fall is here and the Burlington County Farmers Markert is celebrating with a special market day dedicated to one of the season’s signature crops: the squash.
Squash Day at the Burlington County Farmers Market will be held this Saturday, Sept. 28, from 8:30 AM to 1 PM at the Burlington County Agricultural Center, 500 Centerton Road, Moorestown. The special squash-themed day will feature several varieties for sale, including pumpkins, zucchini and butternut squash, along with numerous squash prepared foods.
There will also be a squash cooking demonstration, squash basket giveaways, pumpkin decorating and free butternut squash soup, zucchini bread and pumpkin ice cream while supplies last.
“Pumpkins and other squashes are a fall favorite and one of the best places to shop for them is at the Burlington County Farmers Market,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “Our market was voted the No. 1 farmers market in New Jersey this summer because of the fantastic foods, crafts and produce sold here, but also because of the special events and activities the market hosts. Every market day is special so be sure to visit this Saturday.”
New Jersey is one of America’s top producers of squash, growing more than 33.6 million pounds of the fruit on 2,900 acres of farmland, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Approximately $15.7 million worth of squash was grown and sold by New Jersey farms last year.
Eighteen different farms are scheduled to sell crops at this Saturday’s market. Among those, at least six will be selling varieties of squash: Black Sheep Farm, Cranberry Hall Farm, Durr’s Blue Box Produce, Fernbrook Farms, Pinelands Produce and Robson’s Farm.
Another 26 food vendors will be present, and several will be selling foods made with squash ingredients. Those vendors include: Cheese Etc., Humble Spud, Is it Spicy Sauce Co., Peewee’s Ice Cream, Pied Out Bake Shop, Raven Cakes, Settantatre Pasta, The Soup Bar, Tis So Sweet Bakery, Wild Flour Bakery and Zaddy’s Roast Sandwiches.
There will also be a collection of crafters and artists selling their creations, plus information from nonprofit group Friends of the Burlington County Animal Shelter and the Red Dragon Canoe Club. Musicians JB Rocks will be performing live throughout the day.
Now, in its 18th season, the Burlington County Farmers Market is held rain or shine every Saturday from early May through Nov. 23, plus a special holiday market on Dec. 7.
This year also featured several preseason market days during March and April.
To learn more about the farmers market, including a weekly rundown of expected vendors and activities, visit the market’s website at https://www.burlcoagcenter.com/voted-1-farmers-market-in-nj/ . You can also follow the market on social media at https://www.facebook.com/burlcofarmersmarket .
“The Burlington County Farmers Market continues to grow more popular each week and we were thrilled to see it voted the No. 1 farmers market in the entire state this year,” said Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel, the liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “The market and Agricultural Center has become a go-to destination to shop, eat and enjoy the atmosphere. If you haven’t visited yet, be sure to go during Squash Day or another Saturday this season.”