A YUM Publication
No. 7 Vol. 7
JULY 2025
Little Falls Farmers Market Celebrates Sixth Season with Grand Opening
Photos provided by The Township of Little Falls The grand opening of Little Falls Farmers Market season was celebrated at the Little Falls Municipal Building parking
lot on May 18. Mayor James Damiano lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Township Council.
Pictured (from left) are market organizers Councilwoman Christine Hablitz, Market Manager Lindsay Hessenius and former Councilwoman Tanya Seber.
By Tina Pappas he kick-off to the Little Falls Farmers Market season was celebrated at the Little Falls Municipal Building parking lot, located at 225 Main Street, where vendors set up their booths to offer their high-quality items to the public. Now in its sixth season, the market spotlights local businesses with an emphasis on home grown and organic items. The grand opening for this year's market season was held on May 18. Under sunny skies, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Mayor James Damiano, along with Councilman Chris Vancheri, Councilwoman Christine Hablitz, Councilman Mike Murphy, Councilwoman Jayna Patel, and former Councilwoman Tanya Seber, who remains a part of the market working closely with Councilwoman Hablitz. The market was started by Hablitz and Seber. Local resident Lindsay Hessenius, the new market manager, says she is excited about the added vendors who are new to the market this season. "We have several new vendors here today," she said. "Among them are a
fresh mozzarella vendor, a new coffee vendor, a hummus vendor and an ice pop vendor, including a ramen vendor." Hessenius feels that the Farmers Market brings the community together. She said the amount of foot traffic is at a record high for the first market day of the season. "We had over 1,000 people who came by here today, which I think is a lot more than we've ever had," she added. "It's definitely a record high. We like providing a different variety of items that are high quality." Yasmine Daghestani, owner of Dipped in Delight, says she is excited for her first time at the Famers Market offering samples of her premium dates, which were such a hit with those who passed by to take a bite. She quickly sold out of her succulent "Dubai Chocolate" variety. "I usually sell these to my co-workers, but today is the very first day that I'm offering these to the public in the community," she said, adding that they come either mixed with nuts, peanut butter, or coconut. They also come in a variety of dark or milk chocolate. Daghestani, who is a
cardiology nurse, said she brought in her premium dates during a pot luck lunch for her fellow staff. "I always buy food but last year I thought I should make these dates and give some to my coworkers," she explained. "I filled them with nuts and covered them with chocolate. Everybody loved them! I brought in 50 pieces and they were gone in 15 minutes. People then started asking me if I could make more, so this is how it started and it really took off. Look out for us on Instagram." Anne Mandell's Cereal Dreams offers gourmet cereal items. Aside from gourmet cereal treats, smallbatch granola, and mobile cereal bars, she also offers Rice Krispies pops that really hit the spot for patrons. "The Rice Krispies cake pops are always popular and I'm not sure if anyone else offers these anywhere," she said. "People can visit my website cerealdreams.com. I also do custom orders." Clean Temple Body Essentials is owned by Martha Bibas. Her daughter Rachel was on-hand to greet patrons who stopped by and to inform them about the all-natural ingredients found in their handmade
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Councilman Chris Vancheri came out to support the Little Falls Farmers Market, now in its sixth season.
soaps, lotions, lip balms, and candles. "We use all-natural, clean, organic ingredients," she said. "You can order online for deliveries by visiting our website at cleantemplebodyessentials.com." Saha Guys are also new to the market. They spotlighted their fresh, delicious items to market goers. "We have hummus, garlic spreads, Mediterranean salads, tzatziki, grape leaves and Greek yogurt," Owner Yassine Ben said. "We use only the best ingredients, with vegan and gluten-free options, that are locally grown. Check us out on Instagram." Rochelle Murray coowns Herb Thyme, which offers herbal, all-natural and eco-friendly skincare. "We're local and use only high quality ingredients. We like to make everything simple," she said. "Our skincare nourishes skin without harsh chemicals. They're handcrafted and are made with pure botanicals, sustainable ingredients and zero toxins. Our website is www.herb-thyme.com. We're also on Instagram and Etsy." Back to the market this season is Rosie's Empanadas, Schierferstein Farm, Jersey Pickles, Joey's Market, Jersey Spirits Distilling Co., Jersey Cyclone Brew-
ing, Doughboy On The Rise, and Bijou Greens. Making their market debut this year is Humor Me Farm, Herb Thyme, Saha Guys, Caldino's Fresh Mozzarella, Clean Temple Body Essentials, Dipped in Delight, Cereal Dreams, Puras Paletas Ice Pops, Amor Cocina, The Spice Beast and Tenmomi Ramen. Food trucks include Rain Bao and Curbside Culinary Creations. Also featured as a special of the week was DJ Entertainment and massages by MECCA Integrated Medical offering market attendees complimentary 5 to 10 minute chair massages. It was also a chance to learn about the different services their medical center has to offer. Hablitz said the day was a great start to this year's Farmers Market season. "Over 1,000 people attending is really great," she said. "It's always wonderful to see everyone in the community come together with all the great vendors the market has to offer." She also added that on Sunday, May 25, the market will be featuring a bounce house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the "Bounce into Summer" celebrating the start of the summer for kids. Little Falls resident Sabrina Mesa, who currently attends Montclair State University, said she was happy
Dipped in Delight owner Yasmine Daghestani, a new vendor, displays her delicious date treats.
Pictured are vendors and customers during the opening day of the Little Falls Farmers Market on May 18.
Saha Guys make their debut at the Little Falls Farmers Market during the grand opening of the season.
to come out from her campus dorm and into the community to check out all the goods at the market, as she enjoyed an empanada from Rosie's Empanadas. "This is so delicious and amazing because it reminds me about my hometown, which had farmers markets and other fun events," she said. "It's also really important to have events like these for the community. It's a good idea because it promotes small businesses as well."