By Aila Boyd aboyd@ourvalley.org
During its first day of the season, nearly 600 people visited the Botetourt Farmers Market where 18 vendors sold their wares.
The market runs from May to the end of October every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Daleville Town Center.
Tara Colley, co-owner and operator of Williamson Farms, serves as the president of the Botetourt Farmers Market. Although this is her first year in the role, she has been a vendor for four years.
“We had a great turnout,” Colley said of Saturday, May 4. “Most of the people who came didn’t even know that we have a market.”
She explained that the board of the Botetourt Farmers Market is currently working to secure the construction of a physical structure for the market. “There has been some community support for it, but we definitely need to garner some more in order to make it happen,” she said. She added that a physical structure would cement the presence of the market.
Tables cost $10 per day or $75 for the entire season. Vendors have to provide their own tents. “We have extremely low fees, because we need to support our local community and culture,” she said.
“We have some fantastic vendors this year,” she said. She added that there’s currently enough space to accommodate many more vendors.
She highlighted a few of the vendors, noting that Virginia Mountain Vineyards recently obtained its ABC license for the farmers market. Additionally, she said that vendors offer fresh produce and flowers, as well as treats.
“Coming to the farmers market keeps you healthy and allows you to support the local economy,” she said. “It’s about supporting the community and showcasing it.”
The fifth annual Kid’s Day will be on Saturday, July 20. Admission is free. There will be kid-friendly activities, fresh produce, touch-a-truck, artisan crafts, and more.
