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BY PAIGE TAYLOR NIGHT AND DAY When you think of a farmers market, what comes to mind? If images of bountiful fruits and vegetables jog your memory, you’re on the right track and will be pleasantly surprised with that which resides in Red Bank’s Galleria every Sunday through November. The local farmers market, run by Sourlis International, is even more than what you might be expecting. Fresh, locally-grown produce from some of New Jersey’s finest farmers, as well as a satisfying variation of food and local craft vendors are only some of what you’ll find at the market, located in the Red Bank Galleria parking lot on the corner of Bridge Avenue and West Front Street. On any given Sunday, patrons numbering in the thousands stroll around the parking lot, which is delightfully disguised as a pop-up market that hosts around 40 vendors. According to George Sourlis, co- manager of the market, the farmers market was not always such a booming locale. Sourlis said the initial idea sprouted 15 years ago as a thought by his mother, Elaine. The market is operated by George, his brother Jim Sourlis and brother-in-law Ted Whitehouse. During its inception, the market had only a few vendors and not nearly as much to offer as it relates to what you’ll find there present day. “There are farmers who have their own garden supplies and produces, bakeries and bread companies, a vegan truck,” he said, also mentioning coffee, craft and honey vendors. Sourlis said 2,500 to 3,000 people visit the Galleria parking lot to taste, try and take home different offerings from the vendors, all of which are from New Jersey. Sunday afternoons at the Galleria have become a “destination point” and friendly gathering according to Sourlis, who finds that many people he has known in the past show up for the freshest fares. “It’s a great way for people to come see their friends, get some food and also get other things they need,” he said. Not only does the market offer shaded tables that accompany the vendors’ products, but it also features two unique food trucks to go along with the country-wide recent food craze. Vegan lovers can indulge in offerings from “The Cinnamon Snail” truck and those with the opposite preference can dabble in different options featuring New Jersey’s carnivorous necessity — pork roll — at “Johnny’s Pork Roll and Coffee Truck.” For those interested in enjoying a Sunday afternoon with the chance to take home local foods, pick up fresh flowers for your special someone or just to wander and gaze at the area’s freshest cuisine while forging a sense of community, the farmers market is Red Bank’s best place to do so. A short walk from the downtown and a rough 100 yards from the Red Bank Train Station, the market is conveniently situated and sure to please. The market opened for the season on May 17 and will run through November from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market is a member of the New Jersey Council of Farmers and Communities as well as a source of Jersey Fresh from the Garden State. Red Bank BEAT Red Bank BEAT The Galleria’s Farmers Market: a local treasure NIGHT & DAY MAGAZINE | JUNE 4, 2015 PAGE 31
