If residents in the Pascack Valley have any doubts as to why New Jersey is nicknamed the Garden State, they need not look any farther than River Vale.  On Thursday, June 24, the River Vale Farmer's Market returned for its 14th season of providing Pascack Valley residents with New Jersey's freshest and tastiest produce, baked goods and more.

Throughout the summer and early fall every Thursday morning, trucks and vans laden with produce and goods will overtake the Mark Lane Recreation Complex off of Piermont avenue, thus transforming Hoffman Field parking lot into the epitome destination for home-grown goods.

The market offers the unique ability for New Jersey farmers to sell directly to consumers while offering local residents the opportunity to meet the people who grow the food that is destined for their tables and bellies.

"Customers get to buy directly from the farmer and if they have any questions, they can ask the farmer," said Jeanine Binaghi of Stokes Farm, the most local farm to the market.  Stokes has been participating in the River Vale Farmer's Market for eight years.  "We really become a big family with our customers and even with other vendors," Binaghi said.

The market, which is sponsored by the Township of River Vale, offers a plethora of goods including, but not limited to, fresh produce, baked goods, sour pickles, Italian breads, frozen pizzas, Italian ices, fresh mozzarella and flowers and plants.  Also available is handcrafted wine made from New Jersey-grown grapes.

Vendors at the market include Clyde's Italian Ices, Ventimiglia Vineyards, Amish Country Bakery, Panzarella Foods, Paul's Pickles, Pie Eyed Pies, Stokes Farm, Von Thun's Farm and Maria's Biscotti among others with the vendors enjoying the market as much, if not more, than the customers.

"We have the same returning customers every week," said Ralph Tunick of Pie Eyed Pies, a returning participant to the market for five years.  "We built up a great relationship."

The River Vale Farmer's Market will be held every Thursday from noon to 6 p.m., rain or shine, through the last Thursday in October.  For more information, call (201) 664-2346, ext. 1001, or view the market's website located at www.rivervalenj.org/FarmersMarket.html.