Chrissy Chevalier holds up her son, Brody, 5 months old, while daughter, Lexi, 3 (left) cools her tootsies as they watched Groovy Nate at Farmers' Market Fun Day on Thursday, July 27. The hot weather didn't stop Tyler Wilson 2, (front) from dancing to the music. Photo by Mercia Hobson.
Want to add some child-friendly entertainment to your Thursday morning Farmers Market runs in Herndon? Try out the Herndon Farmers' Market Fun Days, 45-minute shows suitable for small children held weekly this summer on the Town Square Green, 730 Elden St., 10:30 a.m. The series runs through August and is part of Parks and Recreation's line up of other great events entitled, "It's On! In Downtown Herndon This Summer."
Farmers' Market Fun Days are free and open to the public. Overlapping hours between the Fun Day shows,10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m., and Fairfax County Park Authority's Farmers Markets, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., means market goers with small children may be bringing home more than locally sourced produce and baked goods to feed their families. They will be bringing home smiles to feed their souls.
The series features whimsical entertainers who encourage audience participation while they perform high-energy songs, wacky comedy routines, magic, and juggling, perfect for the younger set. Partial funding for the series is made possible by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and Arts Herndon.
Well before the Thursday morning, July 27 Farmers Market Fun Day began, a parade of parents and caregivers arrived, pushing strollers and holding the hands of young children. They toted picnic blankets and lawn chairs eventually settling down under the shady trees. Many in the audience munched on fruit and veggies from the market. As the clock neared 10:30, an estimated crowd of about 90 sat ready for some fun.
Groovy Nate, aka Elnathan Starnes of Springfield, was the day's performer. Blending music, puppet skits, movement, and comedy into his show, Groovy Nate was a Pied Piper of fun. He threaded his way through the audience, singing songs, drumming, and calling the children and adults to join in.
After the show Groovy Nate said he wanted to thank Herndon Parks and Recreation for the opportunity to perform in Herndon for the second year in a row. He credited the audience with helping make his performance even better.
"I love the venue. One thing I like about the Herndon audience, this audience responds very well, and that makes for a better show."
Cindy Roeder, executive director of Herndon Parks and Recreation, said, "It is a joy to see the Town Hall Square full of kids, parents, and caregivers enjoying our Farmers’ Market Fun Days performers."
In addition to the Farmers Market Fun Days which run through Aug. 31, 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m., Herndon Parks and Recreation is also offering other programs as part of "It's On! in Downtown Herndon this Summer."
Upcoming events include Family Games Day, each Saturday morning, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Kids Wet & Wild Day-Aug. 12, 10:30 a.m.-12, Glow in the Dark Activity Night-Aug. 19, 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m., and Herndon Labor Day Festival-Sept. 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Visit herndon-va.gov/about-us/recreation/special-events.