Weekly event finds big success along the river
By Olivia Murray
Newsroom@DominionPost.com
STAR CITY — Farm fresh produce, artisan-made products and locally made food are in high demand in Star City.
Since the start of the Star City Farmers Market Aug. 14, the town has experienced significant turnouts and gained a wait-list of vendors who want to be part of the weekly event.
The weekly market is open from 3-8 p.m. each Friday at Edith Barill Riverfront Park.
There were about 18 vendors at the first farmers market, held at the waterfront, and an estimated 500 attendees showed up to take advantage of the fresh produce, crafts and food trucks the event offered, according to Star City councilman Todd Gregg.
“There’s something there for everyone,” said Gregg.
Gregg said the market has been in the works among the council since last spring.
“[It was] something we discussed last year,” Gregg said. “We wanted to utilize the park we have.”
With the recent installation of a new pavilion at the park in Star City, council finally had an opportunity to put plans into action.
“[We were wondering], what can we do to draw people in [to Star City], to show how the town has grown over the last 5, 6 years?” Gregg said.
Currently, 28 vendors make regular appearances at the market.
There are 10 more on a wait list.
“[We have] vendors coming over two hours to participate in this,” Gregg said.
The newest addition to the market, introduced last Friday, is a fresh seafood truck called Dock to Table. Gregg said the truck brings in fresh seafood from the Chesapeake area.
“[It] sold out the first week,” Gregg said.
“We hope to continue this through October,” he said.
The councilman said the plan is to turn the farmers market into a “fall fest” once fresh produce is scarce or becomes unavailable with the changing seasons.
Additionally, Gregg said the market is handicap-accessible, with parking available directly on the riverfront and a golf cart offered for transportation for those who are unable to secure a nearby parking spot.
“We’re just getting a lot of good, positive feedback,” Gregg said.
With fairs and festivals shut down as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gregg encourages people to check out the farmers market.
“It has really just taken off,” he said.
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