June 12, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 19 Allendale Town and chamber officials and residents, and even vendors, termed the first day of the Allendale Chamber of Commerce-sponsored new Farmers Market a huge success. “I’m very pleased with our first day and our first attempt at a Farmers Market in Allendale. I was pleasantly surprised with the large turnout, and people were buying, which is what we need,” said an elated Nickie Lisella, the chamber president and main force behind the market. “I hope the community will continue to support the market,” she added. “I love farmers markets. This is a wonderful idea,” said Melissa Jacobsen of Allendale as she walked away with several bags full of fresh produce. “This is awesome. We need more and more vendors,” said Andy Fontanese as he carried in fresh pies and pastries to offers shoppers. “Kudos to the chamber, particularly Nickie, for putting this together. It will bring lots of folks to Allendale on Saturdays, which is good for business and for community interaction,” commented Allendale Farmers Market gets off to a successful start Mayor Vince Barra. “Once we resolved the safety issue, this works perfect.” Councilman Ari Bernstein and police had expressed concern about siting the market in the commuter parking lot, the original location, but that was changed at the last minute upon further review by the police chief, traffic officer and borough engineer to the extension of West Allendale Avenue behind the clock tower. “I think the location turned out to be a better spot than originally planned. The shoppers’ parking lot would have been a nightmare; there was a lot of traffic there today,” Lisella noted. In all 10 vendors set up booths, and there are reservations for more in following weeks. Some vendors are adding to their inventory, and an outdoor café is being considered for the sidewalk adjacent to the former Pasta Fina. “The two farmers did very well; at one point I looked over and there was a long line at Country Stand Farm. His pies were warm when he arrived at 8:30 a.m., and he sold all but 1. He has a lot of Amish foods Mayor Vince Barra cuts the ribbon to officially open the Allendale Farmers Market on West Allendale Avenue. Pictured from left: Councilwoman Amy Wilczynski, Michele Grimstad, Adrienne Tenbekjian, Mayor Barra, and Chamber President Nickie Lisella.At left, top photo: Kathleen Scipione and her dog Rudy check out the dog treats at the Woof Gang Bakery booth. Middle photo: Caroline and Joe Vargas pick out some Jersey Fresh tomatoes. Bottom photo: Shoppers pick out some jams and jellies. which he is bringing next week,” said Lisella. “The ‘Pickleicious’ booth was very busy; I bought pickles (sour and sweet) and olives and sweet peppers, delish! Of course the ravioli was to die for, yep, I bought some of those too! It was nice that they were so generous with the samples,” Lisella said. “I was also pleasantly surprised when Orchards of Conklin showed up with fresh eggs at $2 a dozen. What a great price,” she added enthusiastically. Louie’s place sold muffins, brownies, bread and rolls as well as water, and he also did very well, Lisella said, adding that next week there will definitely be cheese and mozzarella. Hoboken Farms will be on board, and the ravioli vendor is also bringing cheese. Rohsler’s Allendale Nursery had perennial and annual plants, flowers and hanging baskets, all grown at its nursery in Allendale, and owner Bruce Rohsler was on hand to give expert advice. “I’m happy to be able to support the town and the market and look forward to its success,” said Rohsler, who also reported a successful day. The market will be held every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Nov. 16. Contact Nickie at 825-0500 for details.