The Riverwalk Farmer’s Market opens Saturday, May 2, opening at 8 AM and running until Noon. This is the 31st year of the market, the oldest in the state of Delaware. The market, which is located on North Walnut Street in a section of the beautiful Mispillion Riverwalk, offers fresh produce, locally grown farm products, as well as arts and crafts every Saturday from May to October. Additional days include the Saturday before Thanksgiving and the Saturday before Christmas.
The mission of the Riverwalk Farmer’s Market’s vision is to provide an opportunity to buy local produce and products; support farm families, agriculture and the environment; preserve Milford’s small town feel; build a sense of community; raise awareness of environment and health issues; and to promote the downtown area as a center of economic activity.
The Riverwalk Farmer’s marekt began 31 years ago when several downtown merchants decided it would be an interesting addition to the downtown area. The market eventually became part of Downtown Milford, Inc. (DMI), and operated by Jim Cooper for several years before his retirement.
During Jim’s oversight, the market expanded to include not only local produce and farm items, but arts and crafts as well. Today, the Riverwalk Farmer’s Market is managed by Shelby Nash DiCostanzo.
“The market primarily offers seasonal farm produce, such as tomatoes, squash, corn, and other locally grown items,” said Downtown Milford Coordinator Sade Truiett. “In addition, the market offers items created with things grown locally, such as jams, honey, cheeses and meats. This makes up approximately 70 percent of the products offered. About 30 percent of the items available are handcrafted arts and crafts, reviewed by the committee to be sure the item fits into the market vision.”
Returning vendors to the Riverwalk Farmer’s Market this year include Cosmic Dog Farms, Davidson’s Magic Mushrooms, Kerr Acres, Olive Girl, K-Pies Pizza, Remarle Skin Care, Pasqualini’s Bakery, Summer Moments Floral and more. New vendors include Sassy Sips, Food by Cecelia, Mirallo Matcha and more.
“This year, we are planning some new events for the market, including sound therapy, yoga and live entertainment,” Truiett said. “We want to make the market the place to be on Saturday morning.”
One new event planned for this year is the Chef’s Challenge which is tentatively planned for August. This challenge will have home chefs, smokers and barbecue competitors using only items sourced from the Riverwalk Farmer’s Market to create a dish. Tickets will be sold and each attendee will receive a “taste” from each chef. They will then vote on their top three. The first-place winner will receive $500, second $250 and third $100 as well as a trophy to display. Those interested in competing should send an email to be invited to a planning meeting in early May.
Currently, the market has approximately 20 vendors, but has room for between 35 and 40, so they are always looking for those who want to offer their products.
“We are looking for fruit and small farm vendors,” DiCostanzo said. “We could also use dairy products, eggs and more artisan vendors. The only rule we have is that if the items are created or sourced form more than 50 miles away, vendors must have a sign that states that in their vendor space. Registration with the State Department of Health is required of anyone who sells food.”
Vendors may still apply to join the Riverwalk Farmer’s Market by filling out an application. Payment is required with the application and copies of all health department certification should be attached to the application or emailed to Truiett.
