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Fresh, local produce and artisan goods are on their way back to Kennedy Park this summer.

The Asbury Fresh Kennedy Park Market has announced the 2014 season will start June 22. Applications are now available for vendors to apply for space in their first ever “producers only” market, which means if you didn’t make it or grow it — you can’t sell it.

In addition to the usual selection of fresh produce, handcrafted products and niche cuisine, patrons can expect local honey, CSA pickup availability, and much more, according to market co-organizers Bret Morgan and Michelle Zarella.

“We’re really excited about the growth the market underwent last season and going into 2014 we’re really looking to continue to expand its offerings,” Morgan said.

Besides the Kennedy Park market, Morgan and Zarella continue to work on a year-round project, Asbury Fresh Public Market.

The Public Market will be housed in a 4,000 sq. ft. converted warehouse where artisan vendors will set up permanent shops to provide a stable source of organic goods and handmade products area residents.

“We’ve kicked off our Public Market project with a pretty solid lineup, ranging from small batch chocolates to vintage products, and handmade goods,” Zarella said. “We are still working to fill a few remaining spots, and have been holding bi-weekly open houses to continue to get vendor feedback.”

The Kennedy Park Market runs Sundays from 11 a.m. t0 4 p.m. June 22 to Sept. 7, rain or shine.

Vendor membership costs $275 for the 12 week season; the drop-in market rate is $30 per week. 

Kennedy Park is located in downtown Asbury Park, at the corner of Cookman & Grand avenues.

For more information, visit the Asbury Fresh website, call 732-807-5104, or email team@asburyfresh.com.

[Clarification: Tom Gilmour, chairman of the city’s special events committee, contacted the Sun after this article was posted to state Asbury Fresh has submitted a special events application to the city for the Kennedy Park market but the applicatoin has not yet been reviewed by the special events committee and/or approved by the City Council.]

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