"At our recent meeting, Kevin Barry, Lorraine Agostinelli and I were discussing the possibility of having the farmer’s market become an annual event due to its well received first run," said Renea Hoyt, ABC member.

According to Hoyt, the idea to have a farmer’s market came about in late spring during an ABC meeting.

A member mentioned they knew Jimmy Matarazzo from Matarazzo Farms in Caldwell, she explained. He was contacted and expressed interest in running a market in Little Falls. "He felt that a farmer’s market in Little Falls would do quite well because he knew there were lots of people in town that like to cook," Hoyt said.

The marketplace began in early August and is being held every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. until the end of October in the municipal building’s parking lot. Many local vendors have set up shop at the marketplace, along with fresh produce, flowers, handmade soap, candles, wellness products, jewelry, pocket books and assorted food vendors. A physical trainer is also slated to be on hand for an upcoming Friday, along with a masseuse and yoga instructor. Local singer Maristella performs every Friday starting at 11 a.m.

Hoyt said township clerk William Wilk suggested the municipal lot location.

"The spot is very conducive because it’s right in the heart of the town, situated right off of Main Street and across the street from the post office," she said. "It has ample parking and patrons have access to the public restrooms in the municipal building. It is also across from the Mill garden apartments where many of the town’s seniors reside, making the marketplace easily accessible."

Janice Alvarez, ABC senior coordinator, handles all of the senior programs and contacted many of the other senior coordinators from neighboring towns. The senior coordinators have the task of bringing many senior citizens to the market. The county provides senior citizens with $30 worth of coupons that can be redeemed at the marketplace. The seniors have to make under $19,000 yearly and $25,000 combined yearly as a couple to qualify. They can also use $5 coupons for farmed goods up to $30.

Hoyt added that the whole idea of having a marketplace in town is to bring the community together.

"ABC planned this event mainly to bring the townspeople, farmers and small businesses together. We receive only a nominal fee from the market, which goes towards PR and advertising the farmer’s market. The fee is also used to promote and run future events that ABC sponsors. We’re having such a great run with the market so how could we not consider holding it each year?"

Marketplace organizers plan to hold raffles in September. Patrons can submit their names in a basket at the market and winner will be drawn to receive local business gift certificates."

"It’s a way to say thank you to the community," said Hoyt. "We were very happy with our first year of running it."

Other scheduled items to be held at the marketplace are a pumpkin decorating contest and Halloween costume contest for kids. ABC also plans to hold a town tasting at the VFW Hall in Cedar Grove on Oct. 28 and a casino night fundraiser is being planned.

For more information on ABC, the farmer’s market or any other scheduled event, contact Renea Hoyt at 973-812-7916. The ABC meets every third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Center.