Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Happy Anniversary, Farmers' Market!





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On this date, May 22, 1993, the Staunton Farmers' Market opened for the very first time.
The City and the six vendors were all taking a chance on the farmers' market phenomenon that was just starting to sweep the nation. 


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Staunton Market 2017


It didn't take long for the Market to become part of the downtown landscape, albeit for just a few hours each week. In a place where tourism rules, the Market has been the destination for travelers from around the globe.

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For twenty-five years, through dark of night, pouring rain, blazing heat and bitter cold, the Staunton Farmers' Market has been opened to serve the community. (Well, except that one week in 1996 when the Wharf was literally under water following Hurricane Fran)

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Not only is the Market a source of homegrown, home-made, LOCAL (all produced within 75 miles of Staunton), it's become a gathering spot on Saturday mornings.

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You just never know who you might see at the Market!

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sheer joy


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delicious food

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beautiful plants

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...and the music!
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The Steel Wheels have gone on to much larger audiences

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...gotta love the music!

It's a place where families can grow and learn and try out their business ideas.
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Having a good time while turning a profit...

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The Market offers a wide array of fruits and vegetables and even a few unique products...

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 The Market offers a unique atmosphere of community between producers and consumers, offering a chance to serve others and expand our horizons.



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Trinity lunch program gleans market leftovers
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with Allan Moye of the Findells
Personally, we've met some interesting, amazing, even famous people. We've learned a lot and have been privileged to be a part of the Market since 1998. More of our story can be found here.

Over the years, the Staunton Market has been used as an example for start-up Markets in a number of other locations. It has served as an incubator of sorts for some businesses that have gone on to bigger and better things. And, it has provided a livelihood for numerous family farms while supplying delicious, nutritious food to our customers.

So...HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Staunton Farmers' Market!  Here's to many more.
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Pretty flowers from Flower Fields




It was hard to choose just a few photos of the Market. If you'd like to see more, be sure to check out the Market website http://stauntonfarmersmarket.org

 Or the Facebook page... https://www.facebook.com/stauntonfarmersmkt/ 

Better yet, come visit us in person! We'll be open every Saturday, 7am to noon until Thanksgiving.

Thanks to T Leighton Womack Photography for the wonderful photos.

4 comments:

  1. This looks to me like THE place to go and to be seen on Saturdays Barbara so long may it continue. (it looks hard work for the stall holders!)

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    1. The Market is a pretty cool place. And, while it's LOTS of work, it's hard to imagine life without it.

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  2. It really does look like a wonderful market. It's nice that there is live music as well. -Jenn

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    1. It's actually a great place to spend a Saturday morning. :)

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