Opening Day at the Sparta Farmer's Market

SPARTA — The Sparta Farmer’s Market had a great turnout and good energy last Saturday celebrating the opening of its third season. The hot temperature did not stop the flow of people or the Zumba dancers.

“They invite me every year to give a demo and to show people Zumba is fun and just dancing,” said Sam Le Valley who led a Zumba dance along with a dozen of her students.

In addition to candle and soap makers and bakers selling their homemade stuff, there were plenty of local farms with their current crop of flowers or vegetables.

Hercilia Torres and daughter Jesinia Comde of Eden Farms in West Milford were showing off their 'plant pies.'

“It’s a specially designed arrangement to go right in the ground,” explained Torres.

And Dave Zelov of Kittatiny Mountain Farms of Wantage is optimistic about the upcoming season: “Right now, we brought kale, Swiss chard, baby bok choy and other lettuce greens. The cool mild spring allows for a little slower turn into summer which is good for us.” He expects to bring beets, carrots and scallions over the next three weeks.

Local couple John and Pattie Gallagher just moved back to Sparta after living in London for a few years purchased some herbs

“It’s our first time here. We live close by in walking distance, so we are happy to have it here,” said Pattie Gallagher.

Co-founder Mitch Morrison was elated: “We had an absolutely incredible opening day with over 1,500 people in our market. Thank you to our Sparta Farmer's Market customers.”