Ventnor City Farmers Market Celebrates 10th Anniversary Season
The Ventnor City Farmers Market will celebrate a major milestone as it kicks off its tenth anniversary season opening on Friday, May 22, 2026. The highly anticipated weekly market is scheduled to run every Friday morning throughout the summer, operating from 8:30 AM until noon through September 4, 2026. Located in the parking lot of the Holy Trinity Parish at 6421 Atlantic Avenue, the market will officially commence the season with a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 8:20 AM.
Since its original inception in 2016 by local organizers Andy Starer, Penni Starer, and Maria Gatta, the market has transformed from a modest community gathering into a premier regional event. Over the past decade, the vendor roster has expanded dramatically from just 26 vendors in its inaugural year to more than 80 active vendors for the 2026 season.
Milestone Season Brings New Vendors and Special Tributes
This milestone tenth season features 70 full-time and 16 part-time vendors, highlighting a diverse mix of fresh produce, baked goods, and specialized local crafts. To mark the anniversary, fourteen brand-new local businesses will make their market debut this summer. Additionally, eleven legacy vendors who have participated in the market since its very first season will receive special recognition signs at their booths to honor their long-term dedication to the Ventnor community.
The celebration will extend to the event’s operational team as well. Volunteer Rob Reed of Ventnor Vibe designed a custom 10th-anniversary logo, which will be featured on volunteer apparel and commemorative shopping bags available to patrons. Live musical performances will be coordinated throughout the season by volunteer Len Ariff, providing a festive acoustic backdrop for shoppers. The beloved "Old Coots" senior advisory group is also slated to return, offering lighthearted wisdom and community engagement.
Traffic Management and Safety Controls in Place
Hosting an event of this scale on Atlantic Avenue requires significant logistical coordination to ensure pedestrian and vehicular safety. Market organizers work in close alignment with Ventnor’s Public Works, Police, and Fire Departments to manage seasonal traffic flow and maintain open safety corridors. Patrons are reminded to follow local pedestrian signs and utilize designated crosswalks along the 6400 block of Atlantic Avenue during operational hours.
Ventnor Vibes
There is something timeless about a Friday morning at the shore—strolling past tables of fresh-picked Jersey tomatoes, chatting with neighbors over iced coffee, and carrying a heavy canvas tote bag filled with fresh artisan bread. Over the past ten years, the Ventnor City Farmers Market has woven itself into the fabric of summer life on Absecon Island, creating a weekly tradition that bridges generations and brings full-time residents and second homeowners together in one vibrant space.
Ventnor Farmers Market FAQ
What are the dates and hours for the 2026 market season? The market runs every Friday morning from 8:30 AM to noon, starting May 22, 2026, and concluding on September 4, 2026.
Where is the farmers market located in Ventnor? The market is held in the parking lot of the Holy Trinity Parish, located at 6421 Atlantic Avenue.
Is there an admission fee to attend the market? No, entry to the farmers market is entirely free for all residents, visitors, and families.
Sources: Shore Local News
