Councilwoman Jennifer Van Vrancken and Market Umbrella, a local nonprofit that manages seven Crescent City Farmers Market locations, announce a new lakefront farmers market at Bucktown Harbor (325 Metairie Hammond Highway, Metairie, LA 70005). The weekly market will open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, January 4th, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. and run every Friday (3:00–7:00 p.m.), rain or shine, throughout 2019.

Market Umbrella will host a verdant farmers market featuring many produce vendors, meats, seafood, and prepared foods. Perilloux Produce (Timmy only grows big vegetables!), the Indian Springs Growers Association, a co-op comprised of over 30 member growers, and Johndale Farms with fresh Ponchatoula strawberries will all be in attendance among other fresh, local produce vendors. The market will also feature fresh shrimp, gulf-caught fish, grass-fed beef & lamb, baked goods, honey, and value-added goods.

Those hungry for dinner may sample a number of prepared food vendors, including Bua Thai, Thali Llama, and Varino’s Italian Sausage with Paella NOLA joining as a regular vendor the following week and additional rotating food vendors to follow. Additionally, menus will be available for the many neighborhood restaurant options within walking distance. Each weekly market will feature live music by local artists, such as the Bad Oyster Band at the January 4th opening. Kids’ crafts and activities ensure the whole family will have fun and enjoy this market.

“Bucktown has a long, rich history as the site of fishing & hunting camps and the base of operations for the boats that plied Lake Pontchartrain. The markets that went with them are a key component to our culture,” said Kathryn Parker, Executive Director of Market Umbrella. “We are excited to be a part of this historic community.”

“A farmers market here in its historic lakefront location spotlights the Bucktown fishermen who, for centuries, shaped the culture and cuisine of New Orleans,” explained Albert “Rusty” Gaude III, Coastal Advisor with the Louisiana Sea Grant program and Marine Agent with the LSU Ag Center. “With a farmers market in Bucktown, lake fishers will once again be able to provide regional fishery products directly from the brackish, saline coastal habitats of Louisiana and face-to-face interaction with our fisher families.”

“This seasonally-curated market adds to Bucktown’s quality of life and brings back fresh, locally-grown products to a community that loves and appreciates great produce, seafood, and traditions,” added Jefferson Parish Councilwoman Jennifer Van Vrancken. “I’m excited residents will enjoy this unique opportunity to mingle with their neighbors while savoring the best sunsets and food in Louisiana.”

For additional information, please contact Director of Markets Angelina Harrison by phone at (504) 451-1638 or by email at angelina@marketumbrella.org.

About Market Umbrella & The Crescent City Farmers Market:
The Crescent City Farmers Market, managed by nonprofit Market Umbrella, directly connects consumers with regional farmers, fishers, and food producers. For more information, visit crescentcityfarmersmarket.org or call (504) 861-4488. Facebook: Crescent City Farmers Market / Twitter: @ccfmtweets / Instagram: @crescentcityfarmersmkt