The sound of music and people talking fills the atmosphere in the Frenchtown Farmer’s Market. The market goes on every first and third Saturday of the month starting in May and ending in Nov. On these days, vendors are at the Old Frenchtown Field from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Customers can expect polite and friendly service as they shop for fresh and local products.
Amanda Eckstut, the organizer and manager of the market, founded the market in 2024 alongside Zach Branski. Their goal was to blend local farmers, food vendors and artists together.
“It’s all about people and building connections within the community, and reinvesting into our local ecology and economy,” Eckstut said. “So this is a platform for vendors, farmers and makers to be able to connect with their customers directly, have conversations and build relationships.”
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The vendors at the Kombucha Bar preparing fresh drinks for the buyers. The farmers market is located at 1001-1109 Harrison St, Frenchtown, NJ 08825.
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Vendors busy serving the customers at their stands at the Frenchtown Farmers Market. The next market will take place on Oct. 18.
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A local at the Frenchtown Farmer’s Market browsing the Solstice Farm Golden Garden stand for yarn. The vendor also sells eggs, soap and other yarn materials.
The Frenchtown Farmer’s Market promotes a variety of vendors and products. Lu Steele, a produce vendor for Bull and Serpent, has been managing a stand at the market for two seasons. Steele enjoys the market days as the atmosphere is filled with people’s positive spirits.
“Hanging out, meeting cool people and getting to know their stories and backgrounds is the best part,” Steele said. “It’s nice to come to work and not feel like it’s all about the rat race and actually being able to have one on one conversations.”
Besides fresh food, there is also a wide range of handmade and personalized items for customers to enjoy. Sweet Birch Warehouse, another vender at the market, sells scented candles, air fresheners, wax melts and more.
“I do all the artwork for each and every label, so not everybody knows that, but it’s a watercolor artwork that I turn it into a graphic,” Vicki Picaro, the owner of Sweet Birch Warehouse, said.
The Frenchtown Farmer’s market presents good vibes and positive energy but it is often overlooked by shoppers. People can easily support local businesses like these by stopping by and visiting the market.
“Go out to the events, buy stuff, hang out and ask people questions,” Picaro said. “Locals support me, I support them and then we all support small businesses in general.”
The last day of this year’s market will be Nov. 15. There will be many new seasonal items, like pumpkin scented candles, and produce, such as squash and sweet potatoes, available for purchase as the fall season enters full swing.
