Marymount Farmers Market Kicks off Saturday, May 27

The Marymount Farmers Market will launch its second season from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 27 at Marymount University, 2807 N. Glebe Rd.
 
“The community really responded well last year,” said Rob Swennes, executive director of Field to Table, the Arlington-based non-profit that runs the market. “We had so many people who told us how grateful they were that we were there.”

A joint effort between Field to Table, Marymount, North Arlington neighbors, nearby civic associations and the Lee Highway Alliance, the market will be held each Saturday until just before Thanksgiving (Nov. 18). Free parking is available in the university’s Blue Garage.  An interactive campus map is available at marymount.university-tour.com.

To participate in the market, vendors must grow, bake, roast, cook and prepare all of their products within 125 miles of Arlington County. Produce is usually picked within a day or two of the market so it’s as fresh as possible.

Market Manager Stephen Cunningham said the opening day will feature a performance by “Sing Books With Emily,” a singer who converts storybooks into songs for young children. He hopes to schedule live music for each week.

“We really want this to be a place where everyone can come together and enjoy themselves,” Cunningham said. “It’s a community market for both the surrounding neighborhood and the university itself.”

Field to Table, which runs two other local markets, is part of the nationwide “locavore” movement that encourages people to re-establish their relationship with the land and purchase from local farmers and food preparers. Swennes said the Marymount market provided a nice weekend destination for families in “a beautiful residential area.” He also thanked last year’s volunteers and encouraged anyone interested in helping this year to contact organizers.

“It’s fascinating to be part of what has become a seismic shift in the way people are eating nationally,” he said.

For more information, go to www.marymountfarmersmarket.org/.

Photo caption
The Marymount University Farmers Market’s new season begins on May 27 on campus, 2807 North Glebe Road. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday through Nov. 18.