The Howell Farmers Market had it’s opening day on Sunday, April 25 in the front parking lot of the Howell Municipal Complex. Despite the early morning rain, almost 35 vendors were available to display and sell produce and flowers, artisanal foods and other handcrafted and natural items. The farmers market, which begins its weekly run of being held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until October 31 at the Howell Municipal Complex at 4567 Route 9 North.

After the great success in its opening season last year, the Howell Town Council approved an extension of the lease and amended it to allow additional dates outside the regular season schedule, including two “Holiday Markets” in November and December, with alternate dates if weather is an issue.

Howell Mayor Theresa Berger stated, “When we decided to start the Farmers Market, I knew it would be a success. It’s a great way for our community to come together and enjoy the weather and spend time with friends and neighbors.”

The Howell Farmers Market brings vendors selling local produce grown in Monmouth County, local crafters involved in jewelry making, woodworking, decorative items, soaps, candles, hand-sewn bags, masks and knitwear, as well as a variety of specialty food items, including roasted coffees and teas, pieroghies and kielbasa, empanadas, crabcakes and cupcakes, as well as sauces, dips and savory pies. Also this year, food trucks are scheduled to attend every week of the season.

Over 56 vendors have signed up to participate in the Market, which will have a slightly different line up each week.

The Farmers Market is run by a group of volunteers in collaboration with the Township after being approved last year to lease the use of the parking lot. It opened with a smaller lineup last year in late May and grew from 14 initial vendors to over 40 for its last event of the season. The wide variety of foods and crafts available are keeping both shoppers and vendors enthusiastic about keeping the farmers market going.