Plump, scarlet strawberries stood out at the Vienna Farmers Market. Photo by Donna Manz.
The Vienna Farmers Market is boasting a colorful palette of produce now, from spring-like floral pastels to the richer hues of red strawberries and deep-green kale. In between are local meats, freshly-made breads, sweets, herb mixes and granola to hot-off-the-stove prepared small dishes.
There were families, parents and their babies, couples and bicyclists stopping from their W & OD ride. Dogs are prohibited from the farmers’ market by order of the County Department of Health.
The Optimists of Greater Vienna operate the Vienna market, as well as the caboose straddling market grounds on Church Street. Young kids, breaking from shopping, climbed aboard the caboose. Twice a month, a nonprofit mans a booth, compliments of the farmers market.
Ground Angus beef, from livestock raised in Gainesville, sells for $6.25 a pound, slightly less than current neighbor grocery stores are selling it. Produce stands were selling plump strawberries for $6 a quart. Everona sheep’s milk cheeses, some of which are award-winning start at about $20 a pound and go up from there. Pure Guatemala coffee sells for $14.95 to $16.95 for a one-pound package.
If your waistline can stand it, you can sample Savagely Food Fudge, made by a McLean fudge master. From Vienna is Annette’s Amazing Granola, Gypsy Hill herbs and spice mixes and Ol’ Pioneer Sausages.
By the end of June, the early tomatoes will be coming in, produce sellers said.
Kids’ resources, such as the balloon artist, bring family-friendly activities to the marketplace. New this year are tables and chairs for eating.
For many of the shoppers at the Vienna Farmers Market, the fresh local produce is just part of the draw. Seeing neighbors and strolling in the sunny, warm weather round out the market’s appeal.
THE VIENNA FARMERS MARKET is open for the season (rain or shine) on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. For more information visit http://viennafarmersmarket.com/