Opening Day at the Blairstown Farmers Market was enjoyed by all. The Market was filled with happy shoppers. The festive scene included a musical performance by Maribyrd, a singer/songwriter, born and raised in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains of Northern NJ. Her sweet voice filled the market with song.
New to the market is Bread lock Botanicals, owned by Brienna Youngman of Stewartsville. Her stand features culinary herbs, seasonal teas and flower bouquets. Youngman is making the ‘farmers market’ circuit. She can be found at Northampton Farms Market, Newark Downtown Farmers Market, Horsham Market and Washington’s Farmers Market.
“My mom Lisa will be helping me grow my business. We enjoy creating flower arrangements for special occasions and weddings.” she remarked.
Another new vendor, “Yianni & Yiayia’s Little Taste of Greece!” was the highly popular. Operated by Peter and Sotie Hambos, their family has been in the food industry for over 25 years.
“We own The Big Star Drive In, a fast-food restaurant in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. My two oldest sons are working there now, my youngest son is here with us today. We pride ourselves in our secrete recipes, so we can provide authentic Greek cuisine.” Sotie exclaimed wryly.
Gyro’s, Spanakopita, Baklava, Greek Salad, homemade specialty cheese spreads and authentic Greek dressings are among the many choices of classic Greek foods offered at their stand. They did so well in Blairstown, they decided to look into permits required to have Greek Shish kabob soon.
Cassie Verga is the owner of Lovelylou Mama Crochet. Her specialty being colorful and soft one-of-a-kind dolls, hats and dream catchers. Verga was taught how to crochet when she was eight years old by her beloved Nanny. Her designs are created by her experience of crocheting for 15 years.
Next month her booth will be inspired by her two young sons who love dinosaurs and aliens. Verga will be attending the Market once a month as this ensures the time necessary to produce her creations. Verga’s work can be seen on Instagram and Etsy.
Eric Sink is the owner of Untamed Ferments. Sinks passion is Kombucha, an organic black tea mixed with cane sugar, fermented with a homegrown SCOBY. SCOBY is the commonly used acronym for “symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast” and is formed after the completion of the unique fermentation process of lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria and yeast to form several sour foods and beverages such as kombucha and kimchi.
There were four flavors on tap with free tastings at the booth. It is sold by the cup or in a jug. The jug is reusable, it will be sterilized and refilled at the booth.
In the future, this Reporter is looking forward to featuring some of the other venders of the Blairstown Farmers Market.
The Blairstown Farmers Market also brought out a lot of four-footed visitors, including famous ones. Rachel and Thomas Scott brought their professional doggie star Giggy again this year. Eight-year-old Giggy recently made his appearance on the Jimmy Kimble Show and has his own talent agent who also represents the Aflak Duck.
MB Journe, Contributing Writer
My name is Marybeth Journe, I feel blessed to be living in this part of New Jersey. I have enjoyed this community taking advantage of the lakes and woods. Always supporting the local businesses that make this my home. As a local artist myself, I know many of our residence if not by name, at least by sight. I feel comfortable interviewing others. I have worked for The Paulinskill Valley Chronical where I provided articles, photographs and billing. I consider myself an artist, journalist, naturalist, gardener and a teacher for the YMCA Camp Mason. I look forward to the work ahead
