It’s that time of year again in the New River Valley when farmers markets open up and serve their communities with their home-grown products.

Farmers markets give the community a chance to purchase low-cost, locally grown organic foods. The community can also buy crafts, baked goods, and find local entertainment. The products at each farmers market may vary, so you might want to try as many of the area markets as you can to get a feel of which one best suits your needs.

“I love farmers markets because they are a great way for our locals to get some income and for the people to buy fresh home made goods and produce without chemicals,” Radford University student Lara Ellery said. “People need to remember, without farms there will be no food.”

The variety of food varies at each farmers market. Organic fruits and vegetables are the most common. Homemade jams, meats, and honey are also available at most farmers markets. Crafts such as knitted items and jewelry are made by local individuals looking to share their talents.

Pulaski, Blacksburg, the Narrows, and the City of Radford will all continue their farmers markets.  All of the farmers markets are currently open and will remain in operation until early October. Also all farmers markets boast that they will be open rain or shine.

The Pulaski County farmers market started on May 3, and will remain in operation each Saturday until Oct. 4. It is open from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. The market is located on the sidewalk at Maple Shade Shopping Center in Pulaski. Not only do they offer fresh produce but also such items as goat soaps, wood and leather crafts, and hand-made jewelry.

The Blacksburg farmers market is open two days a week. They are open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and also open Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. They are located in Market Square Park, which is on the corner of Draper Road and Roanoke Street in downtown Blacksburg. The farmers market in Blacksburg offers such unique things as beeswax candles and honey or blacksmithed garden and kitchen items.

The Radford farmers market is located on East Main Street in the Norwood Square public parking lot. It offers much of the same organic foods and plants that are seen at the other farmers markets and also offers a variety of crafts, foods, and entertainment on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Narrows farmers market is somewhat unusual in that it is open six days a week. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday up to eight vendors gather daily to sell their items. The market is located on Monroe Street in Narrows. Also the market area can be reserved for private events outside of normal operating hours.

The Shawsville farmers market is located in front of the Meadowbrook Center at the intersection of U.S. 460 and Alleghany Spring Road and is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon.

“Farmers markets allow people to gain some knowledge about their local farmers and also what kind of culture the area they’re in displays with the crafts they sell,” Ellery said. “It’s an experience that should not be missed.”

What is your favorite farmers market in the area? Is there one out there we missed? Do you have a favorite vendor? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!

Matt LaBelle is an intern for the New River Voice.