Outdoors market, big draw in Pa., to cross river for a day

Gusty winds, snow to shovel, falling mercury. Need any more reasons to look forward to spring?

Shopping!

One of the Delaware Valley's best-loved open-air markets for crafts and antiques is going to expand across the river this year to Camden County's hipster hub, Collingswood.

The Clover Market, which started in Ardmore in 2010 and has gone on to attract thousands of shoppers and browsers in Bryn Mawr and Chestnut Hill, will spread its wares in South Jersey on June 19, Father's Day, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine.

"Collingswood has such a vibrant downtown and exceptional sense of community pride and enthusiasm," market founder Janet Long said. "It really complements our existing locations nicely, and our customers and vendors have been asking for a New Jersey location for some time now."

Clover, now entering its seventh season, also is scheduled to hold its "Winter Market" this Saturday and Sunday at the 23d Street Armory in Philadelphia from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition to the Collingswood date, the outdoors market will be April 10 in Chestnut Hill and April 24, May 15, and June 5 in Bryn Mawr. Vendor applications for the spring are being accepted on the market's website now through Feb. 19.

Previous markets have offered more than 100 vendors - selling collectibles, vintage jewelry, clothing, handmade items, and art, as well as food, live music, nonprofits' exhibits, and family-friendly activities.

Long, who had an interior-design business before going full time with the market, said she got the idea to check out Collingswood from veteran Clover vendor Betsy Cook, founder of the borough-based American Picnic clothing line.

From there, Long got acquainted with Cass Duffey, Collingswood's community development director. A selling point for the borough was its place on the PATCO line, making it easily accessible to South Jersey and Philadelphia. And, of course, Collingswood enjoys a festival.

"We are thrilled to welcome Clover and we hope this is the start of a long partnership," Collingswood Mayor Jim Maley said.

Borough merchants will have specials on the market day, welcoming visitors and locals alike.

The Collingswood market will be just off Haddon Avenue on Irvin Avenue at the Millennium Clock, spreading out in the Kitchen & Associates/Zane Schoolhouse lot and along the Atlantic Avenue parking lot, the site of the borough's current Saturday Farmers' Market.

David Hodges, director of the highly popular farmers' market, said he applauds Clover's choice of Collingswood.

"For more than 15 years, we've been turning out by the thousands to support our own Craft and Fine Arts festival, our weekly farmers' market, and our November Handmade Holidays events," Hodges said. "This town embraces quality, innovation, and good values. We also love to meet outdoors and buy stuff."

856-779-3893 @ritagiordano rgiordano@phillynews.com

For more information, go to theclovermarket.com