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Fresh Markets pitches periodic farmers and makers markets for Bradley Beach
Summary
Fresh Markets representatives told the borough council they could revive periodic farmers/ makers markets in Bradley Beach, offering locally grown produce and artisan vendors and saying prior events drew 40–60 vendors and helped downtown foot traffic.
Fresh Markets representatives told the Bradley Beach Borough Council on Feb. 3 that the group is interested in restarting periodic farmers and makers markets in town to bring foot traffic and support local micro-entrepreneurs. The organization said it began in 2012 in Asbury Park and has expanded to dozens of repeat weekly and seasonal events across Monmouth County.
The presenter described a vendor mix of farms, food purveyors and artisan makers and said many vendors begin selling at markets and later open storefronts. "We work primarily with small businesses that are just starting out," the presenter said, adding that Asbury Park events draw about 50 tents weekly and prior Bradley Beach events hosted about 40–50 vendors. "I think we could do about 60 in Bradley Park," the presenter said, noting Fresh Markets can vary frequency and can operate twice a month.
Council members asked about logistics, including vendor parking, staging and whether produce is Jersey-grown. Council member questions prompted a logistics summary: vendors would be staged off Main Street for load-in, and most farms supplying the markets are in New Jersey. The presiding official noted that local partner groups such as the Bradley Beach Business Community Alliance have helped solicit local businesses in previous events.
The presenter said past Bradley Beach events did not charge vendor fees for local businesses and indicated Fresh Markets is open to local partnerships and flexible scheduling. "We're tailoring what we do specific to where we're operating," the presenter said, and offered contact information to follow up. Council members thanked the presenter and moved on to other agenda items.
The council did not take a formal vote on market permits during the presentation; staff and council members indicated they would follow up with logistics and vendor-solicitation details before placing any regulatory item on a future agenda.
