The annual opening of Goochland Farmers Market has become a sign that summer is here.

And this year’s market is going to be bigger and better than ever, said Center for Rural Culture (CFRC) Executive Director Lisa Dearden.

“There are a lot more vendors this year, more produce, more variety, and more local Goochland farmers,” said Dearden.

Last year the market attracted 800 customers per week.

There will also be more kids’ activities this summer, as Toni Gregory, the children’s program coordinator, is working with 4H on a Green Entrepreneur program.

Green Entrepreneurs will learn to create marketing plans before participating in Kids’ Days, when kids can create and sell goods.

At Goochland’s market everyone other than prepared food vendors are required to produce what they sell.

And children are encouraged to join in on the last Saturday of June, July and August.

“Farming has to be profitable,” said Dearden. “We want to teach kids to be good business people, to educate them about good solid planning and the importance of community.”

Dearden cited a recent report that the number of farms in Goochland County continues to rise. “Most of those are small farms,” she said. “We like to think we played a part in that. (At the market) people have a chance to sell what they grow or make.”

When asked about the Supervisors’ recent vote to maintain funding of the market, Dearden said, “I’m very happy they’re continuing to fund us and I think they made the right decision; we’re contributing to the economic development of the Goochland Courthouse area.”

“I don’t know of a market that is self-sustaining,” she added. “We can’t just rely on farmers to make it all happen!”

Show your support of Goochland’s farmers by coming out this weekend. The Farmers Market is held on the grounds of Grace Episcopal Church every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.

Visit the Farmers Market and the Center for Rural Culture