Farmer’s market has peachy turnout

By Amanda Stewart

Published: July 13, 2008

Samantha Sharpe smiled as she bit into a slice of peach at the Dumfries Farmer's Market on Sunday.

The 5-year-old went the farmer's market, held in a field behind the Dumfries United Methodist Church, with her mother, Melissa Sharpe, and her 2-year-old sister, Seanna.

The family tasted some peach slices before stocking up on peaches, tomatoes, blueberries and other fruits and vegetables.

"We came because I'm from the country and I like home grown fruits and vegetables," Melissa Sharpe said.

Saturday marked the first day for the Dumfries Farmer's Market, hosted by the church located on Cameron Street.

Dumfries United Methodist Church Pastor Doug Geeting said the church organized the farmer's market for two reasons: to gain visibility for the church and to gain visibility for the town of Dumfries.

"We want to get folks to come out to Dumfries, to rediscover Dumfries," Geeting said.

On its first day, the market included booths from area crafters and vendors, and one booth manned by farmers from West Virginia.

Geeting said they plan to include more farmers in the future.

In addition to tomatoes and peaches, visitors to the market could purchase apple cider, baskets, hot sauces and home and garden gifts, among other things.

The market also included a variety of activities for children, including pony rides, a moon bounce and balloon animals.

Triangle residents Judy and Andy Huddleston said they saw a sign on U.S. 1 advertising the market and decided to stop by with their grandsons, Levi, 2, and Luke, 5.

"We saw the sign and I just thought 'Hey, that sounds like a good thing to do,' " Judy Huddleston said.

Luke and Levi said they enjoyed the pony rides and couldn't wait to check out the moon bounce.

"We were surprised that there were so many activities for kids here. They seem to be having fun," Huddleston said as her grandsons ran toward the moonbounce.

Many shoppers said they were glad to see a market in Dumfries.

"It's nice to have a farmer's market close," said Montclair resident Harriet Josey. "I always go to the one in Dale City, so I thought I'd check this one out."

Geeting said turnout seemed to be good for the first day.

"We've had a steady stream of folks," Geeting said. "Overall it's been very successful for a first time. We're hoping people will come out again and give us another try."

The Dumfries farmer's market is held at Dumfries United Methodist Church, 3890 Cameron St., from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the second Saturday of the month through October.

The dates are July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13 and Oct. 11.

The market is free to the public as well as to the farmers and crafters.

Staff writer Amanda Stewart can be reached at 703-878-8014.