The Stuart Farmers’ Market held its annual vendor meeting in February to discuss the upcoming season, and celebrated winning the Best in the Blue Ridge Farmers’ Market from Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine.
While the market will officially open the first Friday in May at 8 a.m., several vendors will be on site Friday, April 22 and 29, from 8 a.m. to noon, with fresh produce, coffee, meats, eggs, honey, and more. Local market vendor favorites are all coming back this year, including the monthly tool sharpener, which is scheduled for the first Friday of each month. Bring those dull tools, scissors and knives and have them sharpened for a nominal fee while you shop.
Market hours will be May through the Friday before Thanksgiving in November, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., rain or shine. Small Friday events will return this year, with blood pressure checks by The Landmark Center. Patrick County Master Gardeners will be on site with information throughout the market season, and Patrick County Extension will provide information and pressure canner gauge checks. Additional partners will be added throughout the season.
The market also will host the Summer Jam Music Concert Series, at 6 p.m., on the first Fridays in May, June, July and August.
Through the years, the market has become an integral part of community celebrations.
Its annual Red, White and Blueberries is set for July 1, to usher in the Fourth of July weekend. The Mistletoe Market will be held on Saturday, December 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This market has grown to become a holiday highlight for so many.
Market organizers are “excited to partner with the Patrick County Extension office for the Rise and Shine market,” for youngsters to sell items they grew, made or baked. Rise and Shine will be set up and run concurrently with the Friday Farmers’ Market on June 17 and July 8. Be sure to visit and meet the next generation of market vendors.
For more information, or if interested in vending, call the Stuart Town Office at (276) 694-6012. To stay up to date for all the events happening at the market, visit its Facebook page, and be sure to shop the market on Fridays, May through November, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Many vendors accept credit cards, and some accept the Senior Nutrition Vouchers.