Charles City Farmer’s Market aims to assist local vendors, patrons

For several years, the process of bringing a farmer’s market to Charles City County has made slow progress. But starting in May, opportunity for local vendors to receive community support will be available.

Charles City County will host its first Farmer’s Market on May 1, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. adjacent to the Charles City Government Administration building and Memorial United Methodist Church.

After success with a vendor’s market in 2020, Charles City Park and Recreation Director Kimberly Barrow shifted her focus on bringing a Farmer’s Market to the county. She said it was an opportunity for the community to see what local vendors had to offer.

“It’s a traditional farmer’s market, but it’s also unique because it allows small businesses and community organization to have a place to sell their products,” she said in an Apr. 16 morning interview. “We are looking for those people who sell fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, herbs, canned jelly and jam, soap, and things of that nature.

“It can run the gambit,” Barrow added, speaking on how other groups can also snag a spot. “A couple of direct businesses can come in and sell their product.”

Barrow commented that 150 surveys were returned that favored either being a vendor at the farmer’s market or shopping there if it was in place. She also expressed the importance of having food options for the community.

“Everybody knows that Charles City can be a food desert,” the recreation director commented, pointing specifically to the lack of a supermarket in the county. “There have been talks about bringing a farmer’s market to the county because we believe it will definitely be a benefit and provide access to citizens.”

The first rendition of the farmer’s market is expected to have 14 vendors to begin. If successful, that number can expand to as many as 25 vendors.

“We definitely have room for growth, and it serves as a great footprint,” Barrow said. “We hope that people come out and support us.

“We have a prime location along the Virginia Capital Trail and that organization has assisted us in getting the word out,” she continued. “I believe that will help our vendors because tourism is one of our main driving forces in this county. To have a farmer’s market in a historical county will be an awesome asset.”

The market plans to operate every first and third Saturday in each month, beginning in May and concluding in October. Vendors are currently needed for each date. If you’re interested, contact Charles City Parks and Recreation department at 652-1601.

“This is something that will benefit all of us and help programs in our county,” Barrow concluded.