Ocean City Farmers’ Market wraps up a successful season

By MADDY VITALE
Customers made the most of the final day on Wednesday for the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce Farmers and Artisans Market.
The gardens of the Ocean City Tabernacle were bustling with shoppers collecting fresh Jersey fruits and vegetables to buy from local farmers.
Fresh cut flowers, herbs, jams and sauces were among the many treats available in the market.
There were lime pie pizzas and a host of artisans selling clothes, jewelry, and housewares.

Barb and Roy Law, of Longport, said they felt it was important to support local vendors. For them, the Ocean City Farmers ‘Market is their favorite among all the farmers’ markets in the area.
The Lois made sure they stocked up as much as they could during their stay, savoring the last day of the seasonal farmer’s market.
âThere is really a good variety here and there is some unique jewelry,â Barb noted, while holding flowers and a bag full of fresh apples, tomatoes, squash and jewelry. âThe people are nice. It’s just a fun place to be.
Roy said he was really impressed with the vegetables.
âI’m holding a five-pound squash. My son is going to make soup for us, âhe said.
Then he joked, “I never thought I’d have my picture taken with a five-pound squash.”
And when it comes to variety, the Ocean City Farmers Market definitely seems to have something to appeal to everyone.
Pizza may seem like an unlikely food offered at a farmers market.

But judging by Tony Boloney’s line of people at Tony Boloney’s table waiting for thick, Sicilian slices and traditional pie pieces, pizza seems like a favorite food pretty much everywhere.
Carol and Herb Brown of Egg Harbor Township eagerly awaited slices of Sicilian pie boxed by Tony Boloney’s owner Mike Hauke.
âWe go wherever the food is,â Carol said with a laugh. âWe love pizza and Tony Baloney’s has a great reputation.â
And just like the Laws said, the Browns said they enjoy shopping locally whenever they can.
The Ocean City Farmers’ Market wrapped up its 26th year on Wednesday. The sellers said it was one of the best – if not the best – seasons they have seen.
âThis is our busiest season in 10 years,â Hauke ââsaid between two clients. âIt’s one of my favorite markets. Everyone here is nice.

Mike Buchinski, of Ocean City, was filling baskets of shiny apples for Wm. Schober Sons Orchards, based in Monroeville, NJ, vendor tables.
Buchinski said he helps his friend at the market every year because he enjoys it.
âWe are still doing very well here,â he noted. âIt’s a wonderful market.
He then pointed to some of the apples he was making for customers.
âThese are the best,â he said of some honey crispy apples.
Pete Pittaluga, of Sea Isle City-based Hank Sauce, helped Gerry Schmidt, of Meadowbrook, Pa., Who owns a vacation home in Ocean City, with a few selections of homemade sauces.
âWe come to the market every year,â Schmidt said.
Pittaluga said the market was busy all season.
âWe do this every year because the customers are so nice and the vibe is fantastic,â he said.

