National Farmers Market Week: Support Manassas Vendors

MANASSAS, VA — The first week of August marks National Farmers Market Week, and there's no better time to visit the Manassas Farmers Market and support local producers.

The Manassas Farmers Market is one of a handful of farmers markets available to residents across Prince William County. The farmers market is available every Thursday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday's market is located in Harris Pavilion at 9201 Center Street, while Saturday's Market is at the commuter car park at 9024 Prince William Street.

This year, National Farmers Market Week from Aug. 1 to 7 celebrates the resiliency of farmers markets during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid challenges with conventional food supply chains at the start of the pandemic, farmers markets stepped up to meet a growing interest in local foods. Markets adapted to restrictions with social distancing, regulating traffic flow, advance ordering systems and more for the safety of vendors and shoppers.

This year, Prince William County's array of farmers markets are back to business as usual with few restrictions. Shoppers who are not vaccinated and children under 12 are asked to wear a mask. Peak-season markets will be open through mid-November, though the market runs throughout the year.

See also: COVID Cases Rising In Prince William County

The Manassas Farmers Market started in 1988 with less than five vendors. Since then, the market has continued to expand, now encompassing more than 80 different vendors.

The farmers market prides itself on its international offerings that are representative of the county's diversity. "Coming to our Market is like taking a trip around the world with vendors selling items and food from the country they come from," the farmers market wrote on their website.

The annual National Farmers Market Week celebration is coordinated by the Farmers Market Coalition, a nonprofit providing training, technical assistance and network-building to farmers markets nationwide.

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