Farmers' Market Coming to Manassas Park

On Friday, Manassas Park residents can meet the folks behind the foods they'll buy at the city's first farmers' market next spring.

The Meet the Market event is Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Railroad Building at the corner of Manassas and Railroad Drives in Manassas Park, just a stone's throw from the Virginia Railway Express stop.

In addition to meeting the growers who'll regularly participate in the farmer's market, event goers can enjoy affordable fresh fruits and vegetables as well as wood fire pizza, music and face painting. Children in costumes will receive a special Halloween treat.

Parks and recs partnered with Smart Markets Inc. to bring the farmers' market to the city weekly, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. during the growing and harvest seasons.

The idea started with the city's Parks and Recreation Advisory committee, but all the real credit goes to department of parks and recreation dirctor Catherine Morretta, said Preston Banks, a committee member and a Manassas Park City councilman.

"I'm glad we have a farmers' market. This is something that the residents have wanted for our city," he said. "We still have a lot more to do though."

"Mobile markets" will also be available next year and will appear on selected street corners so everyone has the opportunity to choose healthy foods at competitive prices.   

For more information about Meet the Market or the 2013 farmers' market, contact Catherine Morretta at 703.335.8872 or via email at c.morretta@manassasparkva.gov 

Information will also be posted on the Manassas Park parks and recreation website ManassasParkCommunityCenter.com, and on its Facebook page: facebook.com/manassasparkcommunitycenter.