The Somerville Business & Professional Association is proud to team up for the first time with one of its newest members, the Atlantic League champion Somerset Patriots to host a “Night at The Ballpark” and what a night it will be!

Members of the SBPA will be on hand to greet fans on the concourse at the July 5^th holiday weekend game at TD Ballpark, Bridgewater with the first pitch scheduled at 6:05 p.m.

The Patriots will play the Maryland Blue Crabs, who feature centerfielder Jeremy Owens, a former standout with the Patriots.

“Our members are looking for new ways to spread the word about the Somerville shopping experience and what better way than to reach out to Patriots’ fans at the ballpark,” said Rod Hirsch, executive director of the SBPA. “This affords members a unique opportunity to do that,” he added. “TD Ballpark is a proven venue for networking and nurturing new business and professional relationships and we’re confident we can extend that success to retail customers.”

Members of the SBPA and invited guests will take part in the pre-game activities on the field and will host an exhibit on the concourse.

The SBPA has reserved 500 premium $9 tickets in sections 201-205 behind home plate – which also afford an excellent view of the fireworks display that explodes in a cascade of colors over the right field wall at the conclusion of the game.

Tickets for the July 5^th game & fireworks display must be purchased from a member of the SBPA, including Discover Wine, Beneath It All, Wishes & Dreams, McLachlan Realty, Mannion’s Pub & Restaurant, Urban Living, Sanford Jewelers, Somerville School of Music and other merchants displaying the “light Up the sky” poster, or by sending a check made out to the Somerville Professional & Business Association, P.O. Box 307, Somerville, N.J. 08876.

Tickets may also be purchased at the June 7 Spring Spectacular in downtown Somerville when visiting the SBPA exhibit in front of 72 W. Main St. Stop by  and meet Patriots’ mascots Sparkee and Slider who will be mingling with the crowd at the event, also sponsored by the SBPA. See you at the game!

Downtown Somerville Launches New Weekly Farmers’ Market

Somerville, NJ – Downtown Somerville will feature a weekly farmers’ market on Thursdays, noon until 6:00 p.m., starting June 4 and continuing through October 1, 2009.  The market will be located along Grove and East Main Street along the historic Somerset County Courthouse green. 

The market will feature fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables, poultry, eggs, wildflower honey, artisan cheeses, gourmet pickles and olives, natural ice cream, baked goods and fresh cut flowers. Participating farmers and vendors include Griggstown Quail Farm and Market, Pickle Licious, Millstone River Creamery, and Valley Shepherd Creamery.

The Downtown Somerville Farmers’ Market is sponsored by the Somerville District Management Corporation and is supported by a committee of Somerville residents and business owners. “We’re really excited to be bringing such wonderful foods to Somerville through the market.  The farmers and vendors we selected for the market have a great reputation for quality products,” says Betty Krupka, committee chair. 

Participating farmers and vendors include:

Griggstown Quail Farm and Market, Princeton, NJ, www.griggstownquailfarm.com, fresh poultry and eggs, vegetables, fresh herbs, homemade chicken pot pies and fruit pies, and cut flowers.

Pickle Licious, Bogata, NJ, www.picklelicious..com, pickles, olives and tapenade.

Millstown River Creamery, Millstone, NJ: www.millstonerivercreamery.com, natural ice cream and coffee.

Valley Shepherd Creamery, Long Valley, NJ:  www.njcheese.com, a wide variety of sheep’s and mixed milk cheeses. 

More information, as well as additional farmers and food purveyors, can be found throughout the market season at  www.FindSomerville.com.