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The “Asbury Fresh” market debuted today in Kennedy Park on Cookman Avenue.

Organized by Bret Morgan and Lauren Philpot, the market will operate every Saturday morning through Thanksgiving from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Eight vendors inaugurated the first market with offerings including jewelry, raw foods, pickles, human-grade dog treats, jams and soaps. The Humane Society was also in attendance with dogs for adoption.

Despite a heavily overcast morning, in the first two hours about 50 people had shown up, organizer Morgan said. He noted that the flow of visitors after that was increasing as people got out of breakfast and brunch.

“I think eight vendors is a good number for the first week,” said Philpot. She added that three other vendors wanted to participate after reading the Asbury Park Sun report on the market. However, those three weren’t ready for the first day, and they will join the market in the coming weeks, Philpot said.

“I think it’s great,” Morgan said of the first day. “Eventually, I would like to see 20-30 vendors and fill the whole park.”

Kennedy Park is near the corner of Cookman and Grand Avenues, next to Ivan and Andy’s Steakhouse and across the street from the Robert Legere design center.

For more information, contact Morgan or Philpot at team@asburyfresh.com, or visit the asburyfresh website by clicking here. For the prior Sun story on the Asbury Fresh market, click here.

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