The Marlton Farmer’s Market will become a Friday night market and street festival at Kean Park beginning in August, according to the township.
Township manager Walt Miller first announced the news at an April council meeting.
“Our goal is to expand the number of vendors there, including the number of farmers (and food trucks) that will be able to come and sell products,” he explained.
The changes mark a complete reimagining of the market experience, with a new fall season and an expanded format designed to turn the event into a community destination. Previously held at Evesboro Downs Park on Wednesdays, the market it will now shift to the park with a weekend-ready schedule of Friday night from 5 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 28, Sept. 4 and 18, Oct. 2, 9, 23 and 30, and Nov. 6, 13, and 20.
The market’s strategic move into fall will enable visitors to enjoy cooler, more reliable weather in an “after-work” social hub at Kean Park, a location that is expected to be more prominent and accessible. Located at the corner of East Main Street and South Locust Avenue, it is known for its iconic gazebo and as the setting for the children’s hub at the annual Harvest Fest.
While Main Street will remain open during the market, South Locust Avenue will be closed to traffic. Attendees will be able to find convenient parking at three municipal lots along Main as well as at nearby shopping centers.
While local farmers remain the cornerstone of the market – with its late-summer harvests in August and September and fall harvests in October and November – the street festival branding enables new programming, including a diverse selection of food trucks and gourmet options, bands and DJs, children’s activities and vendors selling alcohol alongside a curated variety of unique local merchants.
“We’re hoping people look forward to this on Friday nights,” Miller noted, “(whether) they choose to eat there, make a purchase or just come to listen to music, meet neighbors and have fun. So we’re excited about (it); the farmer’s market committee has been working hard on this.”
“We are so excited to bring the heart of Evesham to life with this new Friday night tradition,” Mayor Jaclyn Veasy said in a statement. “By moving to Kain Park and expanding live music and activities, we’re creating a true ‘stay-and-play’ destination where families and neighbors can kick off their weekends, support local farmers and enjoy the best of our community.”
The township is actively seeking vendors who can register on the township’s website, www.evesham-nj.org.
