For some, an ideal winter day involves frolicking in the fresh snow outside; for others, it’s going out to the local indoor winter farmers market. At the Nutley Winter Indoor Farmers Market, family, friends, pets… all are welcome..

“We try to have a variety of vendors for anything people need. Empanadas for people to eat, coffee for people to drink, produce for people to bring home,” said Nutley Mayor Dr. Joseph P. Scarpelli  at  Sunday’s Winter  Market, held at Vincent Methodist Church. From the iced lattes at Cozz Coffee to the delectable date bars in a variety of flavors by Eden’s Sweets, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.

Of course, something like a farmers market is not new to the Township of Nutley. For the past 16 years from mid-June through October, the township has held weekly farmers markets. The indoor winter market, now in its 10th year, is its counterpart that spreads joy during the coldest season of the year. 

With just a quick walk-around the market, you’re easily able to feel the warm spirit that is  present. It’s noticeable that not only the customers, but also the vendors enjoy their time here. When asking vendors what they liked the best about the event, there was an overwhelming theme of togetherness, associating small businesses with smiles. Businesses like Somers 27 Soap Co. and G.E.T. Doggie Treats & Sweets mentioned how they enjoy hearing feedback from the most important voices: the customers.

Mayor Scarpelli says, “It hasn’t taken us that long to have a list of vendors that are consistent. Customers and businesses alike enjoy seeing familiar faces.” Consumers coming back again and again to support a small business they enjoy makes way for relationships and connections to be easily built. Vendors at the market like the Neshanic Valley Beekeepers and the Empanada Lady have been coming for nine and six years respectively, being able to catch up with people they had seen in previous years. However, there are newer vendors like Iberica Chips and Keystone Farms Cheese that aren’t exactly new businesses, but new to the Nutley Farmers Market scene. 

If you weren’t able to catch the indoor Farmers Market this year, don’t fret. The previously mentioned weekly Farmers Markets will resume once the snow-covered grounds of February clear up and the flowers grow in June. Mayor Scarpelli puts it best when he says, “Farmers markets bring us all together.”