The Independence Farmers Market will return to Town Park for 3 Winter Markets. A new Thanksgiving Market will be held Friday November 21. The other markets are held the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 28 and the first Saturday in December, the 6th. Hours for all Markets are 11 am to 2 pm and will be held at Town Park and will feature IFM Kids Bucks for the first 20 kids to come to the Managers booth. Kids are also invited to make free holiday crafts.
The Thanksgiving Market on the 21st was added to give customers another opportunity to shop for delicious local food and crafts to make their Thanksgiving extra special.
The 2nd Winter Market on November 28 features the Chili Cookoff. It is free to enter and the public is invited to taste all the chilis for $5 and vote for their favorite. Bring your entry to the Market by 10am in a crockpot, preferably already warm. Please be sure that your name is attached to the bottom of your dish so it can be returned to you. Winners will be announced at 1:30. This is a People’s Choice contest, so your vote determines the winner! First prize is $100. 2nd and third place winners will receive ribbons.
The December 6th Market is held in conjunction with Town of Independence events. In addition, The Free Market holds it’s annual Free Christmas Shop at the Gate Center on Davis Street from 11am to 3pm. The Shop is open to children ages 5-14 from 11-1pm. “Elves” will be available to help kids chose 3 gifts. Everyone is welcome to make their gift selections after 1pm. The Free Market and the IFM are both projects of Grayson LandCare.
The Independence Farmers Market is a proud partner of Grayson LandCare, a member of VAFMA and is on the Virginia is for Lovers Farmers Market trail. The On-line and outdoor Farmers Markets welcome Snap and EBT and offer up to a $30 match for SNAP purchases to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. This grant funding is provided by the Gus Schumaker Nutrition Incentive network and is part of the Virginia Fresh Match program. For more information, please contact Michelle Pridgen, Market Manager at independencefarmersmarket@gmail.com or 276-768-0597. Events are also listed on the Market webpage, independencefarmersmarket.org and the Facebook page