By Sarah Richardson
Farmers market season begins this month, and this year, Lewisburg will see two separate markets opening in April.
The Farmers Market of Lewisburg (previously known as the Courthouse Farmers Market) will open Saturday, Apr. 18, at the Robert C. Byrd Clinic on Route 219. Hours will be 8 a.m. to noon each Saturday, as they have in previous years. For their kick-off event they will be holding a Ramp Festival, where vendors will offer ramp inspired foods, seasonal products, and other items.
Organizers say that the Farmers Market of Lewisburg was formed when a steering committee of former Courthouse Farmers Market vendors came together to create a new, vendor run organization after the County Commission decided not to continue to sponsor or organize the former farmers market. Customers can expect to find a familiar mix of goods this season, including fresh produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, and handmade items from local farmers, growers, and artisans.
The Farmers Market of Lewisburg is currently accepting vendor applications. Both returning and new vendors are welcome to apply by requesting an application via email at thefarmersmarketoflewisburg@gmail.com. Visit “The Farmers Market of Lewisburg” on Facebook for more information.
Meanwhile, the Montwell Community Market will open a week earlier on Saturday, Apr. 11, at Montwell Commons in downtown Lewisburg. Opening day will coincide with the Lewisburg Chocolate Festival and will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music, and a variety of vendors.
The market opens at 8 a.m., with a ribbon cutting scheduled for 9:30 a.m. The Optimistics ukulele group will perform from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by Christopher Neil from 11 a.m. to noon. The event will wrap up around 1 p.m.
Montwell Community Market will continue on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon through October.
Parking is available at Montwell Commons with 40-50 spaces spread between the upper and lower lots, as well as additional street parking along Lafayette and Foster streets.
According to organizers, the Montwell Community Market is intended to be more than just a place to shop. The goal is to create a space where residents can gather, support local farmers and makers, and spend time together in a walkable downtown setting.
Vendor applications for the Montwell Community Market are also open and available at https://tinyurl.com/4u3uymkj. Visit “Montwell Community Market” on Facebook for more information.
With both markets preparing to open, residents will have more than one option this season to shop local and support local producers.
