THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Tracy Madigan, market manager for the Vance County Regional Farmers Market (VCRFM) appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

At a recent vendors meeting, the date for the grand opening of the 2020 VCRFM season was set for Saturday, April 25. “We are getting 2020 in order and are looking forward to seeing new and returning vendors and customers,” said Madigan.

Celebrating the seventh season of the market at the 210 Southpark Drive location in Henderson, the festivities will kick off on opening day with a Spring Fling featuring spring produce and a craft show. For the Spring Fling date, market hours will be 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Following opening day, the market will be open on Saturdays only through May from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Beginning June 3, the market will be open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. before returning to Saturday only hours for the fall season beginning in October.

The addition of Wednesday hours during the peak season offers customers a mid-week and weekend day to select from a wide variety of fresh local produce, beef, pork, eggs, homemade baked goods, craft items and much more.

With an estimated 7,300 customers in 2019, many from the regional area of Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties as well as Mecklenburg, VA, Madigan hopes that some of the new offerings for 2020 will draw an even larger crowd this year.

To better serve those who may work on Wednesdays and/or Saturdays during regular market hours, VCRFM will offer “twilight markets” this summer during the peak produce season. The twilight markets will be open on Tuesday, June 30 (right before July 4 holiday) and Tuesday, July 28 from 3:30 until 7:30 p.m.

Also new for 2020, VCRFM will sponsor a watermelon contest. Dates are still to be determined, but Madigan said to plan on growing your watermelons now and expect judging to be held in early to mid-August. The person who brings in the largest watermelon will win a $100 gift certificate to Franklin Bros. Nursery donated by Gene Matthews of JASM Family Farms.

According to Madigan, the VCRFM offers an open, friendly environment where, in addition to selling great products, vendors are happy to speak with customers and provide tips on the best way to prepare selected items.

When not in use as the farmers market, the building is available for private rental for civic events, meetings, parties, family reunions and more.

To stay up-to-date on VCRFM events and happenings, please visit the market’s website and Facebook page.

To hear the interview with Madigan in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on the 2/19/20 Town Talk.