The Fredericksburg Farmers Market returns this weekend with a rotating roster of approximately 30 vendors who sell vegetables, fruits, meats, cheese, breads, baked goods, and flowers. Beyond the products themselves, the market aims to foster a sense of fellowship and community among shoppers.
“It’s a way to feel connected to the community,” said Amanda Richardson, Superintendent of Recreation for the Fredericksburg Parks & Recreation Department. “The market is a gathering spot where people can say ‘hi’ to those people they only see once a week at the market or shop with their families and have fun. It’s a way of getting out and about on a beautiful day.” 
Richardson added that the market is open rain or shine, so leaving the house during bad weather is an option.
Farmers markets have become increasingly popular as people focus more on healthy eating and supporting local farmers and artisans. In the case of the Fredericksburg market, all products must come from within 75 miles of the city, supporting local businesses and reducing environmental impact.
“It helps support our local farmers, local producers, bakers and artisans,” Richardson said. “It’s also a way for the community to purchase locally, which is great for the environment.”
Additionally, the market partners with Virginia Community Food Connections to allow those with SNAP benefits to shop using market tokens. VCFC matches the amount of market tokens purchased, providing fresh, locally grown produce to those who may otherwise not have access to it.
“It’s a really great program because now people have access to fresh, locally grown produce that they can feed their families with and stay healthy and support the community’s farmers and artisans,” Richardson said.
The market opens Saturday at 7 a.m. and will run through October, with an extended season with shorter hours in November and December.
The Fredericksburg Farmers Market features children’s activities and even a kids’ market on May 11 for aspiring vendors. (Submitted photo)
Children are encouraged to come to the market and participate in programs created just for them. On May 4, the market goes into full Star Wars mode complete with costumes, a scavenger hunt, and decorated booths.
On May 11, the kids market sets up and invites children ages 8 to 15 to sell their baked goods, and arts and crafts. Applications are accepted until April 26.
“It’s been super successful and growing every year,” Richardson said. “We’ve now added a December kids market, too. It gets bigger every year and the kids absolutely love it.”
In May, Art in the Park joins the market every other Saturday through Halloween. About 45 vendors will sell handmade items. From June through August, the market’s concert series features live music once a month.
The market also does giveaways and hosts Market Spouts for kids to get introduced to new produce and learn more about nutrition, farming, and pollinators.
“We are excited for this year’s ‘Produce Posse’,” Richardson said. “We will hide Garret the Carrot, our market mascot, each week and kids can hunt for him and win a sticker if they find him. I think the vendors really enjoy having Garrett hang out with them for the day.”
Watch the market’s social media accounts for upcoming events such as Dog Days, Market Appreciation Week, Community Day, and holiday workshops and celebrations.
Richardson said to look for a new vendor plus all the regulars this year.
“We have a peanut vendor coming and then each week we have about three bakeries that sell goodies like macarons, fresh bread, muffins and treats,” she said. “During the ‘Dog Dayz’ event in June there will be dog treats and special guests.”
Richardson also noted that flower vendors are at the market each weekend and sometimes offer interesting workshops like making macrame or creating a bouquet.
This is Tricia York’s second year as market manager, and Richardson praised her work.
“It’s really such a professional-looking market with a lot of variety,” Richardson said. “Tricia’s done an amazing job growing the market and making it what it is now.”
April 13, 2024 – October 26, 2024, Saturdays, 7 AM to 1 PM
- Hurkamp Park, Prince Edward & George Streets
- Saturdays: 7 am – 1 pm
- Season: April 13, 2024 – October 26, 2024
A Market Manager will be at the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays during the season addressing questions or concerns. They can also be reached by emailing [email protected].
