New Farmers Market Coming to Westwood

Westwood is going to be home to a new weekly farmers market starting later this month.

The market, organized by the Westwood Chamber of Commerce, was given the go-ahead by borough officials at their council meeting Tuesday. It will feature local vendors selling food and demonstrations from chefs, according to chamber Executive Director Joseph Abou-Daoud. It won't "turn into a flea market," he said.

The farmers market will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays in the commuter parking lot at the borough Municipal Complex. They plan to hold the markets through November.

Abou-Daoud said they were inspired to open a farmers market in Westwood because similar markets in Emerson and Dumont were recently canceled. It will hopefully draw more customers to local businesses, and any Westwood business will be welcome to participate, he said. 

"We will not compete wtih any business in town," Abou-Daoud said.

Money raised by the farmers market will be going into a new scholarship fund memorializing Elizabeth Fasciano, the Westwood girl who died last month after a long battle with brain cancer.

The markets will be staffed by what Abou-Daoud called a new "volunteer army" of local children, who will also be spending time at the hospital when it opens and working on other community projects around the borough.

Borough officials said they were enthusiastic about the plan.

"I think it's a great idea," Mayor John Birkner said.

Council President Jay Sciara noted that Westwood will receive points toward its Sustainable Jersey certification for hosting the market as an added benefit. Councilwoman Ingrid Quinn said that the Bergen County Division of Senior Services gives out farmers market coupons to seniors, so many residents of the nearby Westwood House will be able to spend them within walking distance of home.

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