Farmers market coming to Dumfries
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By Aileen Streng
Published: July 10, 2008
A farmers market is coming to Dumfries.
This Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., farmers with fresh produce and crafters with their wares will be setting up in a field behind the Dumfries United Methodist Church.
They will return on the second Saturday of the month through October.
The dates are July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13 and Oct. 11. The farmers market is free to the public as well as to the farmers and crafters.
"We want this to be something that families would enjoy coming to and would want to come back," said the Rev. R. Douglas Geeting, pastor of Dumfries United Methodist Church.
Geeting said the church is organizing and paying the costs to bring the farmers market for two reasons: to increase the visibility of the church and to increase the visibility of the town to people who live in the region.
"I wanted something that would let people know who we are and where we are," Geeting said. "I also wanted to give people a reason to come to Dumfries."
The Dumfries United Methodist Church is located at 3890 Cameron St. near the Weems-Botts Museum, tucked in a neighborhood off Main Street.
Dumfries Mayor Fred Yohey enthusiastically supports the idea.
"It is going to bring more people into Dumfries and they will be exposed to the new Dumfries," Yohey said.
Along Main Street and next to the Dumfries Town Hall is the new Dumfries Town Center, currently under construction. The 40,000-square-foot building will include retail on the first floor as well as two floors of office space.
Town leaders have expressed hope that the town center will spur further revitalization along its Main Street.
"This will be a chance for people to see the town center [as they come into town to go to the farmers mar-ket]," Yohey said.
Yohey and Geeting said they hope turnout will be high since there are no other farmers markets in eastern Prince William County, and those in the region are held on Sundays. Both the Dale City and Manassas markets are held on Sundays.
"There will be something for everybody," Yohey said. "You will know that you can come down and have a good time. It will be a good family outing."
Along with the produce and the crafts, the farmers market will also have entertainment for children such as pony rides and a moon bounce.
"We hope it takes off," Yohey said.
If the market is a success this year, Geeting said he would like to make it an annual event.
Staff writer Aileen Streng can be reached at 703-878-8010.
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