Farmers Market Teaches Importance of Local Agriculture

COURT HOUSE – New this year to the Cape May County 4-H Fair is a farmers market that will connect residents and visitors to the local farmers and their products.
We want to provide consumers with the opportunity to put a face to their food through interaction with local farmers,” said fair consultant Karren Barr. “This addition to the fair is a perfect opportunity for families to learn more about where their food comes from, how farmers support the local economy and ways to use products found at market.”
Barr said that fair organizers have discussed the addition of a farmers market in the past, but this year the event finally came to fruition.
“It makes sense that when you have a local fair that places an importance in agriculture education that you should include local farmers,” said Barr. “What better way to do that than to bring everyone together at a farmers market.”
Barr noted that the market is also a good opportunity for farmers to reach out to their customers in a venue that is about cooperation, not competition.
“Plus it’s free advertisement for the farmers and a chance for them to get their name out there to residents and visitors,” she added.
Fair organizers are planning on having products that range from fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables, free range eggs and displays of antique farm equipment. Barr said that since the market is just starting out, she hopes to get commitments from about six farms.
The farmers market and will offer fairgoers the opportunity to visit with local farmers and purchase locally made and grown products from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the county 4-H Fair, July 17, 18 and 19.
For more information on the farmers market, or if you are a farmer who would like to participate, contact Karren Barr at 609-465-8326.
When You Go: The annual Cape May County 4-H Fair runs July 17 – 19 at the 4-H fairgrounds located at 355 Court House – South Dennis Road in Cape May Court House. Public hours for the fair are noon to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday and noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free and there is a host of fun events Thursday through Saturday.
Friday evening at the fair brings two performances by rising country music star and Ventnor native Mia Bergman and her band at 5:00 and 7:30 p.m. New events on Saturday include an antique car show by the Jersey Cape Cruisers from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and camel rides from 2:00-8:00 p.m.
Wizard’s Festival of Fun Amusements will return to the fair this summer with thrilling, safe rides for the whole family, along with new and returning commercial and educational exhibitors. The popular Children’s Pet Show, sponsored by Smeltzer & Sons Feed & Pet Supplies, will take place July 19, beginning at 9 a.m. on the main stage. All children are invited to bring their favorite dogs, cats, rabbits and other unusual pets for many fun classes, including costumes. Trophies, gift certificates or ribbons will be awarded in all classes. The entry fee is $1 per class.
General admission to the fair is FREE, as is public parking and shuttle service to the 4-H fairgrounds on comfortable Cape May County Fare Free buses. The official fair parking area is located at the Cape May County Technical High School, off exit 11 on the east side of the Garden State Parkway, on Moore Rd. Shuttle buses run from 11:00 a.m. in the morning until the last car leaves the lot after closing approximately every 15 minutes to transport fair goers to and from the event. Buses are fully handicapped accessible.
There is also limited, premium parking available for a $5.00 donation in the Atlantic Cape Community College’s parking lot next door to the fairgrounds, at 355 Court House-S. Dennis Rd.
The 4-H Youth Development program is part of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County. Volunteers are always needed to assist at the 4-H Fair. Please call (609) 465-5115 ext. 605 for more information. Learn more about the Cape May County 4-H Youth Development Program and the 4-H Fair at the 4-H Foundation website cmc4h.com.