Collegiate Times

Beeswax candles sold at the Farmer's Market.

The Blacksburg Farmers Market is starting off a summer full of exciting events and sounds for the town.

The Farmers Market, open on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., traditionally offers fresh produce, herbs, and artisan goods on a seasonal basis. 

Over ten vendors regularly set up at the market and offer such diverse summer treats as apples, peaches, strawberries, blueberries and watermelon, among others.

However, the market has more to offer than just fruits and vegetables.

“If students haven’t been here, they’ll think it’s just a place to get fresh fruits and vegetables, but there is more,” said Helen Stuart of the Farmers Market, as she motioned toward a vendor selling fresh tamales and chimichangas.

Vendors offer everything from breakfast foods to dessert sweets.   

“We have a crepe maker who will come every Wednesday and Saturday to sell savory crepes with everything from sausage and cheese to syrup and sugar,” Stuart said.

In addition to food items, vendors sell handcrafted goods such as pottery, soaps, paintings, wood products, and dog treats.

Along with the normal market days, several special events punctuate the summer calendar.  

The market will have its annual Solstice Chef event on June 18. 

This free event will feature a guest chef who will prepare a summer salad and treat market visitors with tastings and recipes. “Last year, the chef prepared a nice, fresh green salad and gave tastings out to over 300 people,” Stuart said.

Accompanying the tastings will be the music of Floyd blues guitarist, Scott Perry. Also on the Farmers Market schedule of events is Breakfast at the Market on July 16.  

Products available at the market will be prepared as a fresh, hot breakfast.  This year’s event will feature Kat Mills, Blacksburg folk singer.

“It generally sells out because it’s really popular,” Stuart said. “It’s a full, hot breakfast with everything coming from the market.” August will close out the market’s summer season with a tomato tasting.  

This event, which costs $2, features dozens of varieties of heirloom and organic tomatoes. As you decide which tomato is your favorite, you will be serenaded by the music of the Porch Loungers.  

“We usually have thirty varieties of tomatoes, which you can taste and judge. You can then put your vote in for the best,” Stuart said.  

In the past, the market has had live music on the first Wednesday of each month and during special events, but this summer Stuart is seeking to change that policy.  

“We’ve got a real push to have more music at the Market this year,” Stuart said. “I’ve put the advertisement out for any amateur musician that would like to play at the market, put out their guitar case for tips, and get exposure and I’ve gotten a great response. My goal is for every market day to have music.”

The Blacksburg Farmers Market is promising to bring to the Blacksburg community local products and a local sound that is all its own.

“This is the happening place to be on Wednesdays and Saturdays,” Stuart said. “Most students who visit are pleasantly surprised. If they come, they generally come back.”

A version of this article appeared in the Jun 2 issue of the Collegiate Times.