Farmers market kicks off Thursday

    Washington?s Central Park will soon be abuzz with local gardeners selling their home-grown produce. Central Park is the location of the first farmers market of the year, which is Thursday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Anita Davis of Ainsworth will be a special guest at the market who will sell flowers to benefit the Louisa County Fair.

    The farmers market is an opportunity for farmers, gardeners, bakers and anyone else to sell food that they have grown or prepared themselves. The market is not limited to food items, however. Bob Shepherd, who has organized the market for more than 20 years, said that local artists, photographers and potters are invited to sell their works of art at the market as well.

    Shepherd said the first farmers market of the year was once held the first Thursday in May, but that was too early for many growers. He said that if April was especially cold, the first farmers market was barren. The vendors decided to move the date of the first market to the second Thursday in May, where it has stayed.

    The farmers markets in May typically feature radishes, mushrooms, asparagus and rhubarb, said Shepherd.

    ?We normally have greens at the early markets, but my lettuce is about a half-inch tall right now,? said Shepherd.

    The kinds of produce sold at the market changes with the season.

    ?As you get into June, then you?re into the strawberries and cucumbers,? continued Shepherd. ?When you get into July, it?s the sweet corn. That?s huge. In late July and early August, it?s the melons. All through that time we have fruits. We have vendors who bring plums, regular pears, Asian pairs, and apples. We also have a couple growers who bring blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.?

For more, see our May 10 print edition.