Lou Driggers looks forward to the farmer’s markets at Nottoway Park. She with her two daughters come first for the fresh fruits and vegetables. "Then we can go to the park," Driggers said.
The market, which opened on Wednesday, May 4, is nearing its 20 year, said Jean Janssen, market master. Vendors at the market must come from within a 125 mile radius, Janssen said. The market runs on Wednesdays, from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Oct. 26.
This year, the market will feature some new vendors such as a chocolatier and a French baker, Janssen said. Also this year, Vienna’s market will benefit Joe Gibb’s Youth for Tomorrow.
At the end of the market, the food that the vendors think will not last until the next market will be donated to the organization which will take them to the youth home. "They will feed the kids," Janssen said.
While some vendors didn’t make it to this first market day of the year, Janssen said that more will come as the season progresses, and that the variety of goods will also expand in the coming weeks.
A different farmer’s market, sponsoerd by the Vienna Jaycees is on Staurdays from 8 a.m.-12 p.m., behind Town Hall through October.
— Ari Cetron