From the farm to the fountain

New market at Donnelly Park a success so far, residents hope it will grow

When West New York resident Julie Bachrach looked out her window last Sunday morning, she decided it would be a good day to pick out some fresh produce.
Bachrach wasn’t judging by the weather or checking the position of the sun to make her decision. All she had to do was look down and see that the vendors were setting up for the brand new farmers’ market around the fountain at Donnelly Park.
The market, which has been taking place every Sunday during the month of October and was recently extended into November, is new this year but many residents are hoping it’s here to stay.
Jon Costantino and his wife, who live in nearby Tower West, came by the market for the first time on Sunday after seeing the sign posted in the area.

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“It’s wonderful; I hope next year it will be even bigger.” – Alan Schonfeld
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Costantino said he and his wife were happy with their discovery and are looking forward to a greater array of goods as it grows.
“It’s cool,” said Costantino. “Hopefully the more people that come, the more vendors will come.”
Ami and Bhaven Sheth, who dropped by from Guttenberg to pick up some foccacia bread and fresh mozzarella, agreed.
“If they have more of these that would be awesome,” said Sheth.
Hopes of continuation and growth weren’t just limited to customers – vendors echoed the same sentiment as well.
“It’s wonderful,” said Alan Schonfeld of Boulevard Delite Deli & Catering. “I hope next year it will be even bigger.”
Schonfeld, whose deli is right across from the market site said it has provided a helpful promotional opportunity.

Delectable delights

Most of the fresh produce on display last Sunday was provided by Schieferstein Farm in Clark. Owner Fred Schieferstein said that he supplements the produce grown on his own family farm, which is over 100 years old, with items from other New Jersey farmers such as eggs from a neighboring farm.
Other items, such as bananas, came from partner farms much further away but were included in the interest of providing a diverse array for customers.
However, not all of the items on display at the market were farm related, or even edible. Some stands sold everything from purses to computers, lending a bit of a flea market vibe to the event.
But the main focus of most vendors was on providing all the ingredients for a phenomenal feast.
High Mountain Foods, based out of Roxbury, displayed an assortment of pickles, pies, breads, and sauces.
Even frozen items like homemade crab cakes and meatballs still maintained their rich aroma.
Farmers market “pros,” High Mountain Foods carries over 4,000 items and participates in markets throughout the state.
And every item sold is given with a free piece of advice as well.
“We teach people how to do meals,” said Vito Lombardo of the family-owned company. “The food is designed for people not to go crazy making food.”
Deborah Guanzon from Hawaiian Delicious Coffee Company had another way of bringing a “homemade” taste to customers. Originally from Hawaii, Deborah and her husband now split their time between their West New York home and their family farm in Hawaii, bringing a taste of the islands with them as they travel back and forth.
The coffee grown on their farm in Hawaii is fresh roasted in New Jersey and provided an intoxicating fragrance around their stand on Sunday.

Through November and beyond

Commissioner Alberto Rodriguez confirmed last week that due to the success of the market, the town will be extending it through Nov. 21, the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving
“For the first time ever doing this, I would say it went really well,” said Rodriguez. “Every week, as more people find out about it, we get more calls and inquiries.”
In addition to extending the market through November, Rodriguez said there are also plans to start the market a little earlier next year (perhaps in summertime or early September) and he hopes that eventually Sundays will be associated with the farmers’ market in West New York.
“It gives everyone the opportunity not just to see different things but to not have to travel so far to purchase those types of products,” he said.
As for the effect on the town, Rodriguez said the market is a “win-win” situation because there is no cost to the town and some revenues are actually made in the fees that are collected from vendors.
Rodriguez said he is hoping to add another dimension to the market in the future by featuring artist exhibits and live music.
The farmers market is held on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Donnelly Park, near the corner of 60th Street and Boulevard East. For more information, call (201) 295-5226.
Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.

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