By Jaimie Julia Winters
After an uncertain start to the summer, Kearny’s Farmers Market is back—and organizers say its new home at Memorial Park is giving the longtime community gathering a fresh start.
The market, which was in limbo earlier this year after Alstede Farms withdrew and organizers struggled to secure a new produce vendor, returned in July at the new location on Kearny Avenue. It is open on Mondays at 11 a.m. -4 p.m.
For Councilwoman Marytrine De Castro, Kearny Council president, the decision to bring the market back was about more than finding a place to sell fresh produce.
“We wanted to continue to provide residents with access to New Jersey farm-fresh, nutritious, locally produced food,” De Castro said. “We also wanted to create a community gathering tradition.”
The move came after town officials and community leaders reviewed concerns about the former location behind the Kearny Public Library, where organizers had struggled with parking, limited foot traffic, and declining vendor participation.
Memorial Park offered a more central and visible location without requiring street closures, De Castro said.
“There is plenty of space for residents to stroll the market and our seniors can sit along the park on the park benches and enjoy the market environment while socializing and connecting with neighbors,” she said.
A new start
The market’s return depended on finding a farmer. After weeks of searching, De Castro connected with Asprocolas Acres Farm, whose owner, known to the community as Farmer George, agreed to add Kearny to his existing market locations.
The market’s grand opening featured Asprocolas Acres Farm along with Magic Moon Boutique, RJ’s Hot Dog Wagon, North Hudson Community Action Corporation, the Hudson County Improvement Authority, and the Kearny Department of Public Health. A mariachi band provided entertainment.
De Castro said the lineup is expected to vary from week to week as more vendors and community organizations participate.
“Every week is different at the market, which makes it a lot of fun,” she said. “I have received great feedback from local vendors, many of whom are eager to join the market.”
The market has also expanded beyond its original focus on produce, incorporating music, health resources, community organizations, and special events.
North Hudson Community Action Corporation and RWJ Clara Maass Medical Center have provided health screenings and resources, while local organizations have used the market as an opportunity to connect directly with residents. De Castro said vendors have told her they appreciate the new location and the opportunity to interact with Kearny shoppers.
“They comment that they love coming to Kearny and engaging with Kearny shoppers,” she said. “They find the new location easily accessible with great space for market setup.”
From uncertainty to growth
Earlier this year, the market’s future was in limbo. Alstede Farms, which had been the market’s only consistent produce vendor, withdrew after citing poor business. Organizers also faced increasing competition from farmers markets in surrounding communities and difficulty convincing local businesses to commit to another weekly location.
The situation raised questions about whether Kearny’s market would return at all. Now, De Castro said those concerns have eased.
“No, those challenges are not an issue right now,” she said. “Since we have moved to the new and current location, the market is thriving, and I can only see it getting better as it continues to grow during the season.”
Asprocolas Acres Farm has already committed to returning for the 2027 season, she said. Next year’s market is scheduled to return Mondays from July 5 through Oct. 25, with hours shifting to noon to 6 p.m. in response to residents who requested later hours.
More than a market
For De Castro, the new location also provides an opportunity to make Memorial Park a more active community gathering place. The park’s history — including its World War I memorial and monuments honoring residents who died in World War II, Korea and Vietnam — adds another dimension to the weekly event.
“Memorial Park is filled with such great, rich history,” De Castro said. “It’s truly a peaceful area in town that draws residents to the location where residents can learn, appreciate, and honor those that gave the ultimate sacrifice.”
She envisions the market eventually becoming a destination that combines shopping with community activities.
Her goals include expanding the number and variety of vendors to include local bakers, prepared-food vendors, flower and plant sellers, beekeepers, artisans and crafters. She would also like to see more live music, children’s activities, demonstrations, health programs and participation from local organizations.
The market could also play a role in improving access to fresh food. De Castro said the town wants to encourage participation in programs such as SNAP and WIC, as well as senior farmers market nutrition programs, where applicable.
“Ultimately, I would like to see the Farmers Market become one of Kearny’s signature community events—something residents look forward to every week and something vendors actively want to participate in,” she said.
Looking ahead
The market’s revival comes at a time when Kearny is also looking at ways to strengthen its commercial districts and create more opportunities for residents to gather. De Castro sees the Farmers Market as part of that larger community effort.
“The present-day Farmers Market is part of Kearny’s past, present, and the future of our community connections,” she said.
The market’s schedule will include special events this fall, including a Labor Day appearance by the Kearny Public Schools Uniform Exchange team, which will distribute free backpacks to Kearny students who meet the eligibility requirements. A back-to-school ice cream social is also planned.
For De Castro, the market’s return represents more than the revival of a seasonal shopping destination. It is an opportunity to connect residents with farmers, small businesses, community organizations, and one another.
“I am elated and grateful for the opportunities, energy, and connections that the new Kearny Farmers Monday Market has provided our beautiful hometown,” she said.