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Apr 29, 2022

Today's conversation with Karie Griffin, Market Manager for Clarke County Farmer's Market was the official kickoff to our summer series: Farmer's Market Fridays. Each month (maybe more!) we'll highlight a local farmer's market, fruit stand, or farmer on the show.

Karie gave us all the details for the opening season - 27th - of Clarke County Farmer's Market. The market will open at 8am on Saturday, May 7 and then run every Saturday from 8am - 12pm through October. The opening day festivities will feature over 30 vendors, live music, a kid's craft table, and a petting zoo.

Karie explained what kind of planning goes into making the market a success each year including the committee that works behind the scenes year-round to secure vendors and sponsors. The market is a 501(c)3.

She gave us a rundown of the the vendors you can expect to see throughout the season and told us that some are there every week while others have a rotating schedule or come later in the season depending on their offerings/growth schedule. We talked about the other things you can find at the market like the products from local makers in our area as well as local, live entertainment.

The market accepts vendors from Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Vendors must submit applications prior to the start of each market season. You can do that by clicking here.

Market vendors sell the following: fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh and dried herbs, bedding plants, cut flowers, dried flowers and wreaths, home-baked goods (without egg or cream base), local honey, herb vinegars, sweet cider, fresh and/or frozen meats and poultry, eggs, cheeses, properly-labeled home-processed preserves, jams, jellies, pickles, relishes , chutneys, soups, dips, sauces, fermented foods, teas, salves, soap, herbal medicines and artisan craft objects.

She highlighted their location at 317 W. Main Street in Berryville and told us how moving there during the pandemic proved to be a good decision that will continue for years (hopefully) to come. There is ample parking and the walking proximity to downtown's restaurants & shops is less than 10 minutes.

She gave a quick shoutout to their market supporters and sponsors and explained why their dollars are vital to keeping the market coming back year after year.

To stay up to date on which vendors will be at the market each week, follow them on Facebook, and sign up for their newsletter on their website: http://www.clarkecountyfarmersmarket.com/