Farmers market cultivates opening session success

By Ryan Sollers, Correspondent
On an initially overcast Sunday morning, local farmers and other growers of fresh produce set up their tents for the premiere of the Farmers Market in Nutley.
Members of Greenutley, a group that focuses on making Nutley a more environmentally conscious and healthier community, were the driving force behind the advent of the Farmers Market. They looked on the activity with pride as Nutley Mayor Joanne Cocchiola cut a ribbon made of raffia, an all natural material from an African palm tree.
“The Farmers Market was a labor of love,” said Nutley Program and Events Coordinator Loren McCreesh. “We get to be here and finally see it. All the hard work comes down to this day.”
“It’s something that’s been a number of years in the making,” said Tara Spinelli, a Greenutley member.
An Eco Fair was held in Nutley in September, which Spinelli recollects as a big success. “We were happy and a little surprised. There’s a real demand for this.”
The mayor confirmed the attraction of a more environmentally-friendly community.
“For several years, I’ve been getting feedback from the community for a Farmers Market,” she said.
As the sky began to clear up and the threat of rain passed, more and more people started to show up until Municipal Lot No.1 was packed. Attendees of all ages bustled from one tent to the next, intrigued by the cornucopia of vegetables, fruits, nuts, breads, eggs, and other fresh foods.
Patty Howard, owner of Modern Leaf and Bean on Chestnut Street and one of the sellers at the event, was happy to be at the market. “We’ve been waiting for a Farmers Market for years. I just love the atmosphere,” she said.

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