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April 27, 2006

A perennial favorite, Williamsburg Farmers' Market opens fourth season on May 6

The Williamsburg Farmers’ Market opens its regular season 8 a.m. to noon May 6 in Merchants Square. Tom Power Jr. of the Fat Canary is the guest chef. Musician Tim Seaman will perform from 9-11 a.m.

“I am as anxious as all of our customers for the first asparagus, peas and strawberries to arrive at the market on May 6,” said market manager Libbey Oliver. “Everyone in town knows they must come early to shop for produce and then linger to visit. Our farmers are working harder than ever to grow more of the quality produce their Williamsburg customers have grown to expect.”

There are 35 total vendors this year. Included in this number are four vendors who will be displaying their products at the farmers’ market for the first time as regulars. They are: ByGeorge Catering at Carmine’s Italian Market, homemade soups and fresh foccacia rolls; Cavanna Pasta, freshly made pastas, sauces, tiramisu and biscotti; Duchess of Gloucester Flowers, cut flowers; and Paradise Nursery, fruit trees and shrubs.

Since the opening in 2002, the following 11 producers continue to return annually to participate in the Saturday markets: Amy’s Farm, Aroma’s, B&B Vegetables, Bees N’ Blossoms, Betsy’s Baked Goods, Blenheim Organic, Chessie Seafood, Nature’s Gifts, Phillips Organic, Sassy
Springs Herbs and Zamora.

Special events for this year include:

  • May 13. Strawberry Jammin’ is a festival held at the height of strawberry season that will include drawings for gifts from Merchants Square shops with the grand prize being a gift certificate from the Merchants Square Association. Musical entertainment will be Stephen Moore and chef demonstration will be provided by Eric Garcia of the Inn at Warner Hall.
  • May 20. Strawberry Jammin’ will host musical guest Stephen Christoff and guest chef Charlie Little of Berret’s. Master gardeners will be on hand to discuss flowers, strawberries and America’s Anniversary Garden, a project that celebrates the 400th anniversary of the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.
  • May 27. For Memorial Day weekend, the guest chef demonstration will be provided by Casa Maya. Musical performers will be Brian and Mary Lewis with Andy Petkofsy on bass.
  • June 3. Children’s Day. Flute Frenzy will perform. Master gardeners will give tips on gardening with children. Custom Culinary Connections will have a recipe for children.
  • June 17. Herb Day. Master gardeners will discuss growing herbs. A Thyme to Plant will provide a demonstration.
  • July 1. Fourth anniversary of the Williamsburg Farmers’ Market. Jason Denison and Megan Cordova of Sentara Williamsburg Community Hospital will be the guest chefs. Master gardeners will discuss America’s Anniversary Garden.
  • September 9. Herb Day. Jim Kennedy of Victor’s Deli & Pizza will be the guest chef. Ardie Boggs will provide musical entertainment.
  • September 23. William and Mary Family Weekend. Jason Wade of the Corner Pocket will be the guest chef. Stephen Christoff will perform.
  • October 14. Charlie Little of Berret’s will be the guest chef. Children’s Day. Zendiva
    will perform.

    In addition, the Virginia Chefs Association meeting will tour and participate in the market
    on August 5.

    The Williamsburg Farmers’ Market website lists all of the chef demonstrations, music and exhibits. Chef demonstrations include: Riverwalk, June 10; Jamestown Pie Company, June 24; Georgia Brummer of Kitchen Ministry, July 8; Julia Fitchette, Kitchen at Powhatan, July 15; Williamsburg Inn, July 22; Kathy Dishner, Kabbie’s Bake Shop, July 29; Justin Watson, Kingsmill Resort, August 12; John Gonzales, A Chef’s Kitchen, August 19; Riverwalk, October 7; and Tony Rizzo of Two Rivers Country Club, October 21.

    Musical entertainment includes: Narissa Bond, June 10; Dan Jackson, June 24; Karen Trump, July 8; Ron Fetner, July 15; Runaway String Band, July 22; Kindred Spirits, July 29; The Delvers, August 5; Meade Skelton, August 12; Clan McCool, August 19; Tim Seaman, August 26; Stephen Moore, September 2; Karen Trump, September 16; William and Mary Appalachian String Band, September 30; Brian and Mary Lewis, October 7; and Runaway String Band, October 21.

    The Founding Sponsors of the Williamsburg Farmers’ Market are The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the Merchants Square Association and the City of Williamsburg. Additional sponsors for 2006 are: the Riverside Hospital System with marketing support; Towne Bank who sponsors the Chef’s Tent; and Ukrop’s Super Markets who supports musical entertainment.

    The farmers’ market continues each Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon through Oct. 21.

    For more information, contact Oliver at (757) 259-3768 or visit the website at www.williamsburgfarmersmarket.com.

    Media Contact:
    Penna Rogers
    (757) 220-7121



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