Farmers markets begin to sprout

Although plenty of dedicated customers have braved frigid weather and eaten more than their share of root vegetables this winter, the most bountiful and enjoyable season for farmers market shoppers is just beginning.

The return of warm temperatures causes markets to bloom like roses, revealing showy displays and drawing a lot of buzz.

The last time I checked, which was in 2009, there were 184 farmers markets in Virginia. As of this week, according to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the state was home to 223 markets.

I’ve put together a list of some Southwest Virginia farmers markets, along with their opening dates, hours and special activities happening throughout the summer. Most seasonal markets will be open through October. Some of these markets accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, and some are matching SNAP dollars with grants and other funding.

Some events have yet to be planned, so be sure to keep an eye on websites, Facebook pages and marketing materials at your farmers market so you won’t miss any excitement.

Bedford Farmers Market

Centertownbedford.com

Corner of Washington and Center streets

Summer hours: Opens April 30. Tuesdays and Fridays, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Check it out: Tasty Tuesdays will take place every Tuesday afternoon from 3 to 7 p.m. beginning May 7. It will feature tastings from various vendors and sometimes wine tastings and music. A monthly flea market will be set up from 8 a.m. to noon on the first Saturday of every month.

SNAP accepted? No

Blacksburg Farmers Market

Blacksburgfarmersmarket.com

Corner of Roanoke Street and Draper Road

Summer hours: Now open. Wednesday, 2 to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Check it out: The “Mingle at the Market” series will return this year, with local music, wine and beer available the second Wednesday of every month June through October. A farm tour is planned for Aug. 25, when customers will be able to tour some of the farms that produce food for the market. If all goes as planned, the day will end at local wineries.

Finally, a vintage and antique market will take place one Sunday per month from June through October. It will feature vintage and antique dealers, crafters, hot food and music. The schedule is June 2, July 14, Aug. 18, Sept. 15, and Oct. 13.

SNAP accepted? Yes

Botetourt Farmers Market

Summer hours: Opens May 4. Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon

Check it out: This market is the result of merging the Botetourt Farmers Market, which used to set up at Ikenberry Orchards on U.S. 220, and the Troutville Farmers Market. It will be held this year in a grassy lot at the Daleville Town Center on U.S. 220. Organizers are hoping to set up some children’s activities, music and wine tastings during the summer, so keep an eye on its Facebook page.

SNAP accepted? No

More info: Botetourt Farmers Market on Facebook

Catawba Valley Farmers Market

4965 Catawba Creek Road (near The Homeplace Restaurant)

Summer hours: Opens May 16. Thursdays, 3:30 to 7 p.m.

Check it out: The market will showcase local musicians and artisans and will have workshops and children’s activities. New vendors this year will sell some interesting products, including mushrooms and handicrafts. Visitors are welcome to stay for a picnic and enjoy the scenery .

SNAP accepted? No

More info: Catawba Valley Farmers Market on Facebook

Farmers Market in Christiansburg

100 Radford St., Christiansburg

Summer hours: Opens May 11. Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon. Mid-summer, the market will also be open Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

Check it out: Special event planning is still in the works.

SNAP accepted? No

More info: 382-4790

Floyd Farmers Market

Sustainfloyd.org/farmers-market

S. Locust Ave., Floyd (across from Floyd Country Store)

Summer hours: Opens May 25. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Check it out: Grand opening celebration on May 25 will include a flower and herb seedling giveaway, a cooking demonstration, a produce tasting and live music. On June 1, a pancake breakfast will be held to support the nonprofit group SustainFloyd, which makes the market possible. Artisan markets will happen on Friday nights.

SNAP accepted? Yes, and matching dollars

Forest Farmers Market

15583 Forest Road, Forest

Summer hours: Opens April 27. Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon

Check it out: Some unusual products being sold this year include duck, duck eggs, bat houses and dog treats. The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be on site for donations on June 22 and Aug. 17.

SNAP accepted? Approval has been granted; working on set up.

More info: Forest Farmers Market on Facebook;
@FFM221 on Twitter

Grandin Village Community Market

Summer hours: Opens April 20. Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon

Check it out: The market’s opening day is also the date of Grandin Village’s Earth Day Celebration, which has grown over the years. The celebration includes music, food, kids’ activities and Earth Day information. The market will feature live music on the first Saturday of every month.

SNAP accepted? Yes, with matching dollars

More info: Grandin Village Community Market on Facebook

Narrows Farmers Market

Monroe Street, across from Anna’s Restaurant

Summer hours: Now open. Thursdays, 7 a.m. until sold out

Radford Farmers Market

1100 block of E. Main StreetSummer hours:

Opens May 4. Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Check it out: On May 4, there will be extra craft vendors, kids’ activities, live music and a Moon Bounce. On alternating weekends throughout the summer, look for special events such as craft activities or cooking demonstrations.

SNAP accepted? Yes, beginning this season as soon as the equipment arrives

More info: Radford Farmers Market on Facebook

Roanoke City Farmers Market

Market Street Southeast, Roanoke

Summer hours: Open year-round. Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Check it out: After having success with a weekly pop-up market at the Kirk Family YMCA last year, a new pop-up market has been planned for this year at River’s Edge Sports Complex on Reserve Avenue. That will be open Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. in June and July, and will include grab-and-go foods. On May 4, there will be a strawberry pancake breakfast at the downtown market from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Haley Toyota City Market Saturdays will bring cooking demonstrations, kids’ activities and live music to the downtown market every Saturday.

SNAP accepted? Yes, matching dollars up to $10 per transaction.

More info: Downtownroanoke.org/city-market

Salem Farmers Market

Salemva.gov/departments/farmersmarket

Corner of Main Street and Broad Street

Summer hours: Now open. Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Check it out: The popular Chef’s Circle cooking demonstration, where guest chefs cook dishes in a mobile kitchen before a live audience, will return this season. It takes place on Saturdays from June 22 through Aug. 17. On Fridays only, a Paint Bank farm will sell bison at the market, and the market will have more cut flowers and herbs than it has in the past.

SNAP accepted? Yes

Shawsville Farmers Market

shawsvillefarmersmarket.webs.com

267 Alleghany Spring Road, Shawsville (in library courtyard)

Summer hours: Confirmed market dates at this time are May 4, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Aug. 17 (hours TBD); and Oct. 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Check it out: Garden Day, an event hosted by the Eastmont Gardening Club, will be held May 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Eastmont Tomato Festival will be Aug. 17 (hours to be determined), and Meadowbrook Library’s Harvest Festival will be Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Keep an eye on the market website for updates.

SNAP accepted? No

Vinton Farmers Market

Vintonva.gov/index.aspx?NID=73

204 W. Lee Ave.

Summer hours: Opens May 4. Fridays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Check it out: The Virginia Tech Family Nutrition Program will host “Shake, Bake and Sprout,” a kids’ cooking demonstration, on May 4, June 22, July 20 and Aug. 17. The event time is 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. An art market and food tasting will take place May 11, July 13 and Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a craft show will be held June 8, Aug. 10 and Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SNAP accepted? Yes, on Saturdays only. Matching dollars available.

West End Farmers Market

1223 Patterson Ave., Roanoke

Summer hours: Open year-round. Tuesdays, 3 to 6 p.m.

Check it out: The West End market will have a spin-off market this year that will be located at the Brand-Hardin-Sims Child Development Center at 702 Shenandoah Ave. in Roanoke. That market, the TAP Head Start Community Market, is open only to parents of Head Start children and is sponsored by Freedom First Credit Union and the United Way. The hours are the same as the West End market hours. Organizers hope that the TAP market will become a permanent fixture.

SNAP accepted? Yes, with matching dollars at both markets.

More info: Call Brent Cochran at 597-6914 or visit West End Farmers Market on Facebook.

On the blog

Mamma Maria’s of Salem is opening a Roanoke location. Details at blogs.roanoke.com/fridgemagnet.

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