Harrisonburg Farmers’ Market
Fun and freshness are combined at one of the ‘Burg’s classic attractions
By Lindsay Casale, contributing writer
Posted on October 19, 2006

Typically, there isn’t much that can rouse a college student out of bed at 7 a.m. However, on any given Tuesday, just a few miles away from campus, numerous vendors are preparing for a day of selling goods and chatting with customers at the Harrisonburg Farmers’ Market.

“Local gardeners and farmers have been selling produce in downtown Harrisonburg for more than 50 years,” according to the Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance Web site.

The market can usually be found in the Water Street parking deck, but while renovations are being done in that area, the location has changed to the municipal lot directly across from the Daily News-Record. The temporary location provides the vendors with space and an airy, open environment in which to sell their produce.

A quick glance around the area designated for the market provides a myriad of images. Rows of brightly colored vegetables line some tables, while others display homemade crafts, such as dresses and journals. It is apparent that vendors know each other and recognize certain customers, and a lively sense of togetherness is pervasive over the scene.    

Esther Ebey has been coming to the Harrisonburg Farmers’ Market since last July. Ebey is relatively new to the Harrisonburg area, and has found a place to prosper both economically and socially at the Farmers’ Market.

“[The Farmers’ Market] has been good for the sense of community,” Ebey said. “I’ve met a lot of people, and it’s just as much a social thing as it is economic.”

Ebey sells chestnuts, cherry tomatoes and prints of her own personal photography. Other vendors sell fresh produce, ranging from potatoes to lettuce.

Dorothy Brining’s “Dot’s Delights,” displays a plethora of baked goods. Brining has been coming to the Farmers’ Market for four years. Each individual at the Farmers’ Market seems to have a colorful story and. Brining is no exception.

“My great-grandfather lived in Harrisonburg, and then moved to New York,” Brining said. “My family and I lived in New York and then decided to retire in Harrisonburg.” Brining attended farmers’ markets in New York, and decided to continue her hobby into retirement.

With a selection of scones, elaborate pies and breads, it is apparent that Brining has been honing her craft for some time. She called the Farmers’ Market a “family affair,” because of its widespread appeal to everyone in the community, not just regulars and passersby.

Although the Harrisonburg Farmers’ Market is only open for a limited amount of time during the week, it is certainly accessible to college students and those who live in the Harrisonburg area. With a friendly atmosphere and delicious, fresh products, the Farmers’ Market certainly should not be missed.

The Farmers’ Market operates from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays.