The Ashland Farmers Market will kick off its 2022 season on Saturday , May 7th! To celebrate and get those tastebuds primed for all the berries , cinnamon buns , and heirloom tomatoes you can carry , we ' re re - sharing a story and photos we ran last year on the market .  
   Stay tuned throughout the season for spotlights on some of our market vendors and the wide variety of locally - grown and produced items they bring to share with this community each week . See you at the market!
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   It’s a muggy Saturday morning in July and Christi Macomber is setting out fist - sized cinnamon rolls at her market stall . At a little after 9:00 am , the market has just opened for the day , but seasoned market - goers are already perusing and purchasing , their bags overflowing with Hanover tomatoes , grass - fed beef , potted herbs , cookies , and scones .
   In addition to selling homemade baked goods as a market vendor , Christi also works as the farmers market manager , helping schedule vendors and live music acts to keep the market lively and welcoming .
   “We are a medium - sized market - - not overwhelmingly huge , but big enough to be worth your while , with a great selection of products , ” Christi said . “It ' s also a super friendly market . While some customers want or need to get in and out quickly , many plan a morning of it . ”
   The Ashland Farmers Market began in 1999 on Duncan Street but eventually moved to the vacant lot behind Ashland’s former Town Hall where it stayed for many years . When construction on the new Town Hall began in 2019 , the market temporarily relocated to Henry Clay Elementary School’s parking lot .  
   Upon construction completion in 2021 , the market happily returned to the heart of downtown Ashland directly in front of the new Town Hall . It’s an ideal location for community gathering with ample space , a stage for musicians , a grassy lawn and picnic tables for market - goers , and excellent visibility for visitors and cyclists seeking a taste of Ashland’s farm - to - table food offerings and vibrant and diverse small town culture .
   “Our market is unique because it is a producers - only market - - no reselling is permitted . This means that the customer is buying directly from the person who grew or made that product , ” Christi said . “We also remain ultra - local , with everything sold at the market being produced within 30 miles of Ashland , Virginia . ”
   While some vendors may sell a limited amount of craft items , the focus of the Ashland Farmers Market is heavily on food and agricultural products . At the peak of the season , the market hosts 15 - 20 vendors selling everything from seasonal fruits , vegetables , garden and landscape plants to honey , pastured meats and eggs , cut flowers , home - baked goods , pickles , jams , and jellies .  
    The Ashland Farmers Market is such a special place , ” said Kristy Severin , a Town of Ashland resident . “We love the sense of community we get on our weekly visits and meeting friends and family there . It’s always such a pleasure and comfort .
   Sponsored by the Town of Ashland , the farmers market is a division of the Town government , much like Carter Park Pool . Market vendors pay dues to the Town , and the Town compensates market staff and covers market expenses , such as signage .
   “The Town supports the Ashland Farmers Market because it provides an additional healthy food source for residents , and supports local producers both in town and those nearby who also call Ashland their hometown , ” said Matt Reynal , Assistant Town Manager . “The market also helps the local economy by attracting customers from all over the region who stop in our shops and restaurants after visiting the market . ” 
   “I started out as a customer in 2003 , became a vendor in 2009 , and then market manager in 2016 , ” Christi said . “I love being a part of this farmers market because of the friendly vibe and great products . By now , I consider many of the vendors and customers a part of my extended family!”
   Ashland Farmers Market takes place seasonally May - October on Saturday mornings from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm in front of Ashland Town Hall ( 121 Thompson Street ) . Seasonal and winter markets also take place throughout the year , including a Thanksgiving Market the Saturday before Thanksgiving , a Holiday Market the 3rd Saturday in December , and Renegade Markets every other Saturday throughout the off - season .  
   Learn more about the Ashland Farmers Market , its schedule , and location ,
   here .
   

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