Hello, Vendors, Artists, and Friends of the Collingswood Farmers’ Market! Goodbye, strawberries; hello, early tomatoes?

Weather Forecast

Looks like a beauty. Weather will be humid overnight Friday, but very little chance of rain Saturday, with temperatures in the comfortable 70s, and cloud cover. Winds will be light.

Site Plan for SAT JUN 06

Inquirer Story

Today’s (THU JUN 04) Philadelphia Inquirer ran a long story about Farmers’ Market prices in its Food and Dining section. By and large, the author went to pains to justify what some shoppers perceive as high produce prices at Markets. You may or may not be able to read the story at this link: Press Reader. I paid 99 cents for access to the article; I have no idea whether it will open for you. Part of it looks like this (including a dandy photo of our own Barry Savoie).

Guest Vendors

Three Guests, Green Aisle Grocery, Wood Spoon Rice Pudding, and Weckerly’s Ice Cream will take spots inside the Market. MECHA Chocolates and Dee Dee’s Garden will set up shop beneath the Speedline. We’ll also be visited by Mascots representing the Camden County “Shop Local” program.

Guest Artist

Aimee Eckert curates our Artist of the Week program and selects participants for the Handmade Holidays observance. She’s also an exemplary jeweler in her own right, and we’re delighted to host her as our Guest Artist this week in space 27. Aimee’s jewelry collection, sold under the name “Relics Revisited,” is constructed from original photographs, vintage bits, metal, clothing and various found and reclaimed odds and ends.  She takes the original found item and alters it to give it a new life.  Her collection is a careful mix of collage art and metalwork using a variety of ideas that make each piece one of a kind.

Live Music

John Rossi plays the West Stage, and Dave Kelly will command the new official Market Music Tent, sponsored by Collingswood Music.

Dog Tent

The Animal Adoption Center will staff the new Dog Tent for us this week, continuing to register dogs that haven’t yet bought their official Market Leash Permits.

Vendor Enforcement “No Permit, No Purchase”

This won’t be easy, but it’s necessary. If good dog behavior is important to you, you’ll comply beginning this first Saturday in June with the No Permit, No Purchase policy, declining to serve customers who don’t choose to cooperate with the Permitting and Behavior Guidelines. David Hodges will distribute a small batch of Dog Behavior Guidelines to all vendors for distribution to anyone who appears at your table attempting to make purchases with a non-permitted dog.

BID Vendors

Perennial favorites, DiBartolo Bakery, Villa Barone Restaurant, Cheese Etc., and Sara’s Produce will all attend. We’ll also host representatives from Collingswood Music and the new Aster’s Flowers. Mike DiBartolo of DiBartolo Bakery is your contact for all questions regarding BID participation at the Market. (609) 949-3424 cell for voice or text.

VENDOR PARKING PERMITS

It’s good business to save the best parking spaces for SHOPPERS! Most visitors will tell you it’s tough to find parking at the Market. We make things worse by parking our own vehicles in spaces that could be used and re-used many times by shoppers. Please encourage your table crew to park for free in the Lumberyard Parking Garage (just across Collings Avenue from the west entrance). There are plenty of spaces inside, and the walk back to the Market takes 3 minutes.

Flexible Site Plan

Changes will continue to occur throughout the season as vendors come and go and as we learn more about how neighbors interact. I remind you no spaces are ever guaranteed and require your cooperation if I have to move your location any given week. Thank you. David Hodges Market Director Home Office (856) 854-8385 Cell Phone for Market Saturdays (856) 979-6653 collsmkt@davidhodges.com