A Fresh Focus
One of the main reasons that folks attend the Farmer’s Market is to purchase their meats, treats, and produce from the faces they’ve come to know and love week after week. I thought I’d take the opportunity to share with you some of my favorite faces at the market.
Sessou of Becky’s Pastries. Sessou is one of the most animated and friendly faces to be found on Thursdays and Saturdays. Originally from Togo, Africa, Sessou started his family business the year his daughter, Becky, was born (now you understand the name). His apple turnovers are delicious.
When you meet Patrick Lane of Wildwood Farm, prepare yourself for his silly banter. He will most certainly showcase his wit during your conversation. He’s originally from Virginia but he’s fluent in German and has a way with bees. Honey is one of the main products he and his wife, Bettina, sell, yet he rarely wears a bee suit and almost never gets stung. Was he a bee in a past life? I think so. They also sell beef, eggs, moisturizers made with honey, and more.
One of the most colorful produce stands at the market is run by Roberto Medina. Roberto learned everything he knows from his father, who was also a farmer. He works incredibly hard, but is still cool as a cucumber at the markets. Roberto’s Produce is at our Thursday market.
You can’t miss Shelby of Cakes by Shelby at the market for two reasons: 1. She’s got beautiful bright red hair (and so do all of her girls). 2. She sells her goodies out of a gingerbread house. It’s not literally made out of gingerbread, but it’s really adorable and in no way makes you feel like you’re going to be pushed into an oven by a witch (Hansel & Gretel reference). You can build your own cupcakes at her cupcake bar or enjoy one of her
fantastic cakes or pies. My personal preference is her death my chocolate cake, which is to die for (hence the name).
Valerie of Piedmont Growers has been a fixture at our market. She’s been selling her plants and produce at our market for years and has built relationships with many shoppers. Her husband is the grower, and Valerie helps out, and works many of the markets. Their fruit is delicious and the hanging baskets are breathtaking. If you walk around Old Town Manassas, you can observe their beautiful work hanging on light poles.
You can find all of these fabulous people and more selling high-quality, locally-produced goods at the Farmer’s Market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. To find out more about our vendors , please visit our website.
