Ocean City Farmers Market Kicks Off Another Flavorful Summer Season

The heart of downtown Ocean City came alive this morning as the town’s beloved Farmers Market opened for the first day of the 2025 summer season. Under a bright June sun, colorful tents lined the grounds of the Tabernacle, tables brimmed with farm-fresh produce, artisan treats, and handcrafted goods, and the early crowds soaked up the festive atmosphere that makes this market a cherished weekly tradition.

From ripe Jersey tomatoes to family-recipe jellies, from sizzling BBQ sauces to crisp pickles and sweet desserts, this year’s market is already shaping up to be one to remember. Many of the vendors are familiar faces, and several new sellers are adding fresh energy to the scene. What they all share is a deep appreciation for Ocean City’s vibrant market community.

When asked what she likes most about the Ocean City Farms Market, Caroline Bernhardt of Monteleone Farms summed it up perfectly, “It’s community, everyone here is friendly and loyal, they come every week.” Caroline is excited about sharing the farm’s fruit harvest this summer. “I’m looking forward to fruit season when all the fruit comes out — it’s so much better than anything you can get in the grocery store,” she said with a smile.

A longtime local favorite, the Hula Grill always draws a hungry crowd.  This summer, owners Pete and Amy are especially excited to debut their newest creation: waffle french fries — a fun and delicious twist that’s already earning rave reviews. “We love being here each week, seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones,” Pete said. “The market has such great energy.”

Over at Momma’s Homemade, Jaconda Bell has been delighting market-goers for about 10 years with her small-batch BBQ sauces, hot sauces, sweet potato syrup, and carrot cake. “I love meeting new people and getting them to try what I make,” Bell said. She also shared a personal note — her hope to bring her mother, who is recovering from a stroke, back out to the market this season.

 Owner and Chef of Chef Key Lime Pie, Matt Pressler, is celebrating his 11th season at the market. “The community here is amazing,” he said. “The customers come back every year, they spread the word, and they bring new people. I love seeing my regulars, meeting new people, and just enjoying life, working outside in this great market.” His fresh key lime pies, made with real key limes and homemade graham cracker crusts, are a must-try at the market.

One of this year’s exciting new additions is Andrew Loteck, a graduate of Ocean City High School, debuting his Loteck’s Lip Lickin’ Habanero Pepper Jelly. “I do everything myself, picking the peppers, processing, sealing, even drawing the labels,” Lotte explained. “My wife and I run the business, and we are excited to be part of the market.”

A fan favorite with an old-school story is Doc Pickle. The company’s pickle legacy began in the 1950s, when current owner Josh Nadel’s grandfather sold pickles from a van through the Catskills. Today, Doc Pickle sells in over 20 markets across multiple states. Representing the stand in Ocean City, Scott Weitzman said, “What I love about Ocean City? The vendors are great, the people are really friendly and relaxed, it’s just an awesome vibe here.”

As summer unfolds, the Ocean City Farmers Market promises to be a weekly highlight once again.  A place where locals and visitors alike can savor the freshest flavors of the season, support small businesses, and enjoy the community feel that makes Ocean City Special. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, be sure to stop by. There’s something special waiting for everyone.