ACS launched a new Community Farmers Market on its campus this summer that attracted close to 1,000 visitors and featured 53 different vendors over the course of 10 Saturday market days. Thank you to the many ACS family members, teachers, and students who participated as vendors and came out to shop, helping make the market a success as the first summer-long farmers market in Egg Harbor Township. On August 27, the final market day, vendors and ACS staff gathered for a group photo.

Egg Harbor Township Mayor Paul Hodson kicked off the launch of the new market at a ribbon-cutting with school officials and volunteers on June 25.   “You’ve started something good here and I really think it’s going to take off,” said Mayor Hodson, as he walked around the market and interacted with vendors. Participating in the ribbon-cutting were Carole Karabashian, ACS Director of Development and Communication; Arzum Sanchez, the Farmers Market Manager; Mayor Hodson; and Elaine Carroll, Farmers Market volunteer and ambassador.

The market opened outdoors on June 18 with just five vendors — Busy Bees, Smith Poultry Farm, Root Cellar Tavern, Thirty-One Gifts, and April Made for Kitten Aid — and grew to average of 18 vendors per week, with some vendors moving into the air-conditioned gym and others staying outdoors.

There was something for everyone at the market — fresh vegetables from Smith Poultry Farm of Williamstown and the ACS School Garden, beautiful succulent arrangements from Round Tree Farm in Mullica Hill, handmade crafts, jewelry, art and photography, dog treats, books, educational materials, and more.

Visitors could enjoy a cup of lemonade or a plate of delicious sausage and peppers or tacos from Root Cellar Tavern in Dorothy. Major Confections sold fancy cupcakes and desserts. There were inspirational T-shirts and Bibles on sale from Truth That Rocks Bookstore in Northfield, and you could even get a chair massage from a therapist with Drift Day Spa in Northfield. Visitors could also learn about getting organic produce delivered to their home by Just Organics – partnered with Honey Tree Health. Members of Greentree Church in Egg Harbor Township gave spiritual encouragement and shared the gospel with those who stopped by their table.

“The Farmers Market was a great opportunity for our school to connect with the local community, provide a place to get fresh, organic produce, and showcase the many talented local crafters and artists in our area,” said Sanchez, who managed the market each week.  “We were also thrilled to see so many ACS families and students participate in some way, volunteering at the ACS School Garden Table and even selling jewelry and knick-knacks that they had made.”