Manassas Farmers Market to Celebrate Farmers Market Week

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Governor Timothy Kaine has officially recognized August 2-8, 2009 as Farmers Market Week in Virginia and the Manassas Farmer’s Market at the corner of West Street and Prince William Streets is inviting everyone to join the celebration on Saturday, August 8, 2009 from 8 a.m. to noon.

According to Debbie Haight, Historic Manassas, Inc. Visitor Center Manager and Farmers Market Manager, “The Manassas Farmers Market has planned a wonderful celebration for Farmers Market Week.” We are pleased to have Jeff & Brian Brown-Hill of the J&B Blues Project performing at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. They were recently on the Fox5 Morning News Show and are terrific. We are also launching a coloring contest that will certainly appeal to the young artists in our community.”

August is prime time for produce so shoppers will find the freshest and most flavorful fruits and vegetables, ripe and ready right now. Thanks to shorter travel time, this locally grown produce can retain its exceptional taste and valuable nutrients far better than items shipped long distances.

“Vendors at the Thursday Market held at the Harris Pavilion from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., will find fresh-picked, Virginia grown tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, melons, sweet corn, berries, peaches and more. Come on by and register to win a Farmers Market Gift Basket this Thursday, August 6,” invites Debbie Haight, Market Manager.

Besides produce, the Manassas Market will also offer herbs, plants, cut flowers, organic items, cheeses, baked goods, meats, homemade preserves, fresh pasta and the ever-popular Kettle Korn! Shoppers can expect an ever-changing variety which is part of the charm of a farmers market.

In addition to selling local products, farmers markets also serve as gathering places to meet and greet neighbors and old friends. At farmers markets, shoppers can chat with the farmers, producers and processors whose hard work and skill provide the food they are purchasing.

The Governor’s proclamation listed some of the many reasons to celebrate farmers markets with a special week. In Virginia, farmers markets support local farmers by providing sales outlets for those just starting out, by giving additional marketing and sales opportunities to experienced farmers, and by offering to both increased financial returns through direct sales to consumers.

Farmers markets also help sustain Virginia’s working farms which in turn help keep the state’s economy strong, provide green space, help preserve the high quality of life enjoyed by all Virginians and help maintain agriculture as the Commonwealth’s number one industry with an economic impact of $55 billion annually and 357,000 Virginia jobs to its credit.

Historic Manassas, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to revitalize, preserve and enhance the economic base that insure the rich tradition, history, charm and friendly ambience of Old Town Manassas. For more information about Historic Manassas, Inc. and the Farmers Market, please contact Patty Tracy, Executive Director at 703-361-6599 and be sure to check out the website at www.visitmanassas.org.