Farmer's Market Plants A Seed in Occoquan

It was a sunny Saturday with a gentle breeze in the air—the perfect morning to go to the farmer’s market. Arriving in Occoquan, there were plenty of free spaces for parking, and only a small crowd gathered at the . People stop and chat with one another and exchange a smile and a story about their week.

 The OFM not only provides a spot for quality local food, but an opportunity for residents to practice community together. 

“The delightful and interesting Occoquan Mayor is usually around to brighten the event with a warm hello,” said local resident Marge Shaffer.

It was the third week of the market and the visitors were enthusiastic.  Even though the crowd was a small one, they had just had a rush in the 9am hour and Fat Thumb Crepes had a sizable line, serving large, sumptuous strawberry cheesecake crepes and other varieties.

Only five vendors were present- among them were C&T Produce, who were also selling pork and eggs, Potowmack Farms, and Great Harvest Bread Company.

But as Occoquan Farmer’s Market coordinator Christine Myskowski pointed out, it was early in the season—the harvest has yet to come. The market is growing and more vendors are to come.  The Culinary Herb Farm  sells dried spices and will make their debut this week and come back intermittently through the season.  Even more farms should be signing on, as the summer months go by.

The Occoquan Farmers Market was set up in 2008 by the .

“We just wanted to have a farmer’s market,"Myskowski said.

In town there was a need for the townspeople to buy more of their own food locally, to have more resources available in town. The market just had one or two vendors in its beginnings, but townspeople like Shaffer built up a loyal base- supporting it from the start.

The OFM faces the challenges to be expected for a newer market. They are not funded by Prince William County and they have not been long established, like the markets in Manassas and Dale City. Although small, the OFM has succeeded in getting steady vendors and steady customer support. The word about the market is starting to get out to the surrounding communities- Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, and Lorton. 

The vendors set up at the Occoquan Farmer’s Market believe in the market and it’s capability to grow.  C&T Produce from Stafford has been at the market for at least two years. Chris Blum from C&T enjoys the consistent customers he gets on Saturday mornings. “We do make a steady profit from this community," he said.

Patowmack Farm, from Lovettsville, VA is one of the newest vendors at the market and will be sure to add some color.  With a farm-to-table restaurant at their location, they have a message they plan to spread as they attend various markets and events: that one can eat from their garden to their table.

The vendor emphasizes their selection of baked goods, including gluten-free brownies and mini red velvet cupcakes. They also sell fresh fruit smoothies, value added lemonade, a delicious elderberry vinegarette and coffee beans locally roasted at a neighboring farm.

The community has expressed that there is opportunity for improvement but are aware that will come with a growing customer base.

“I love what it has done for the residents in providing another avenue for a community growth," said Occoquan Merchants Association President Kristyn Gleason who loves greeting neighbors on her weekly visits. “In the future, I would like to see it grow with more variety.”

“One thing I'd like is when an unusual veggie is for sale, having directions on how to use it in a recipe would be nice,” said Shaffer, thinking of creative ways to spark market growth.   

The harvest is currently small at the market. Kirk Huserik from Patowmack Farm said that as demand allows, he may bring more produce or eggs, but the exuberance of a thriving market will not be realized until the summer months.

The produce vendors are selling plants and a small supply of vegetables and very little fruit. The best aspect of the market according to Marge Shaffer is the variety of fruits and vegetables, including all the makings of a salad. “It’s very important to learn what is in season, so you do not leave the market disappointed.”

“We just need to continue what we’re doing,” Myskowski said. ”It can only get better with more local support”

For more information about the Occoquan Farmer's Market, please visit http://www.occoquanfarmersmarket.org/