5 events will be held at the Market in July. Cooking Days with Chef Jen are the first Friday of the month, which is July 5. Enjoy free samples and learn fast, fresh recipes featuring market products. Recipes are posted on the website, independencefarmersmarket.org. The 2nd Second Saturday Market will be held Saturday, July 13 from 9am to 1pm. Saturday Markets will also be held Saturday August 10 and Saturday September 14.
Wellness Day will be July 12 and features area health professionals, many offering free screenings or other information. Ms Andrea returns with Healthy Kids Bucks sponsored by Molina Health Care. The first 50 kids to Ms Andrea’s tent get $10 of healthy kids bucks to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables and eggs. Other community partners include Virginia Department of Health, Mt Rogers Community Services, Tri-area Community Health, WIC, Grayson County Department of Social Services, Senior Home Share, and new this year, Healing Movement of Grayson County.
The highlight of the Berry Festival on the 19th is the annual berry sorbet fundraiser. Thanks again this year to River Ridge Organics for sponsoring the event again this year. It also features the Berry Dessert contest with a $100 first prize. Entries are judged on appearance, taste, and the degree to which berries are the primary focus. July ends with the HWY 21-yard sale on July 26. This is the only day Market vendors can offer products they did not make or grow themselves.