By Matt de Simone
The Botetourt Farmers Market hosted its annual Tomato Festival at Buchanan Town Park over the weekend. This was the first year the festival has taken place outside of the Daleville Town Center. Approximately 3,000 guests enjoyed an abundance of local produce, baked goods, and artisans.
Local Botetourt musicians Trinity Tree Travelers Old Time Band returned to the event once again playing on stage throughout the morning. A free heirloom tomato tasting saw guests enjoying locally grown items and read up on dozens of agricultural fun facts posted throughout the festival.
The event also featured local vendors that included Firecraft, Farm Credit, The Slap Shop, C&F Farms, Hillside Plants & Produce, Scones by Sydney, Farm Bureau, Crazy Creations, Cutes by Ann, Bryant Orchards, Varsity Spa, Blue Ridge Vineyard, Turquoise Thread, Sunny Days Designs, Sarah’s Petals, Dangles By Angles, Bibbidi Bobbidi Bostics, Eggie Lopes, Clovers Microgreens, Kneadful Things, Mountain Thyme Honey & Gifts, Crafts by Beth, Mary’s Palette, Blue Ridge Barn Quilts, Judy’s Decomesh Wreaths, Wildwood Workshop, North Mountain Candle Co., Studio 43, Moonlight Mountain Designs, Layman Family Farms (photo), Moon Blossom Farm, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Botetourt County Libraries, Extension Masters Gardeners, Island Wheels, Kefi, Caldwell Mountain Copper, Homestead Creamery, Hangrcy, Elote Mexican street corn, and more.
Farmer’s Market President Dr. Mallory White made a presentation to the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors on Monday, updating the market’s progress over the last year. White spoke about how the market and the Daleville Town Center have remained flexible during the ongoing construction projects on Town Center property, working together to ensure the market is open every Saturday during the market season.
“I want them [Daleville Town Center] to know that we appreciate all they’ve done for us in allowing us to set up there,” White said during her presentation.
The next big event is the Farmers Market annual Honey Fest taking place Saturday, August 19 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Buchanan Town Park. Food vendors will be on site with live music by Shanolan. Parking and admission are free. This festival takes place rain or shine. For more information, contact Kandyce Sherman at kandycesherman@gmail.com.
