Click here to disagree with the plan to expand the Falls Church Farmers Market
Embedded Files
There is a new petition being circulated by a handful of Falls Church locals that supports doubling the Falls Church Farmers Market in size and closing off surrounding streets (proposed expansion below - see lines in red). The current petition does not allow for dissent, only agreement, so we created an alternative petition.
There is a new petition being circulated by a handful of Falls Church locals that supports doubling the Falls Church Farmers Market in size and closing off surrounding streets (proposed expansion below - see lines in red). The current petition does not allow for dissent, only agreement, so we created an alternative petition.
Regarding the proposal, if you prefer a Mosaic-like market where a majority of the vendors sell prepared foods then you will love this plan.
Regarding the proposal, if you prefer a Mosaic-like market where a majority of the vendors sell prepared foods then you will love this plan.
But if you go to a farmers market for for fresh seasonal produce, artisanal food stuffs and convenient parking...then you may not.
But if you go to a farmers market for for fresh seasonal produce, artisanal food stuffs and convenient parking...then you may not.
One Vendor's Perspective
One Vendor's Perspective
The Falls Church Farmers Market was originally created as a producer only market, and for years that's all it was - bringing fresh, regional produce and foodstuffs to locals in the city and surrounding communities. It is only in recent decades that other producers (beef, pork etc.) were allowed in as vendors, and even more recently, "makers" that transformed stuff someone else actually produced into consumable goods (bakeries, coffee roasters, jams, soups, beverages, hot sauces, etc.), and most recently, the plethora of foods somewhat prepared in real time.
The Falls Church Farmers Market was originally created as a producer only market, and for years that's all it was - bringing fresh, regional produce and foodstuffs to locals in the city and surrounding communities. It is only in recent decades that other producers (beef, pork etc.) were allowed in as vendors, and even more recently, "makers" that transformed stuff someone else actually produced into consumable goods (bakeries, coffee roasters, jams, soups, beverages, hot sauces, etc.), and most recently, the plethora of foods somewhat prepared in real time.
Current market vendors have loyal customers that come every week (not just when they feel in the "mood") to buy fresh and seasonal produce, or the newest soup, jam or muffin from long time vendors. Many of these customers, by the way, do not live in the lil' city, they drive from places like Arlington, McLean and Fairfax just to come to the market. Why? Because current and past market managers have done an excellent job of curating an appealing mix of quality vendors, some unique to only this market. As one market manager sagely stated, "If a vendor was a good fit for the market, they would BE in the market." Sadly, some rejected vendors have not accepted this reality, and a few have complained loudly and repeatedly, which may have contributed to this proposed expansion.
Current market vendors have loyal customers that come every week (not just when they feel in the "mood") to buy fresh and seasonal produce, or the newest soup, jam or muffin from long time vendors. Many of these customers, by the way, do not live in the lil' city, they drive from places like Arlington, McLean and Fairfax just to come to the market. Why? Because current and past market managers have done an excellent job of curating an appealing mix of quality vendors, some unique to only this market. As one market manager sagely stated, "If a vendor was a good fit for the market, they would BE in the market." Sadly, some rejected vendors have not accepted this reality, and a few have complained loudly and repeatedly, which may have contributed to this proposed expansion.
Expanding the market will reduce already limited parking, intentionally discouraging drivers and non-walkers (including the elderly and handicapped), perhaps driving away the folks who were drawn to the market in the first place (also generally the nicest and top spending customers). Should these folks decide to attend the expanded market, will they really want to wade through legions (possibly) of people reveling in the "market experience" without sufficient desire to support the market in general?
The bottom line for vendors - dramatically increasing market size will likely result in reduced revenue for long time, committed vendors, the ones who show every up single Saturday, no matter how lousy the weather. And the many new vendors may or may not not have the same commitment to provide the sort of continuity customers have counted on for decades.
The bottom line for vendors - dramatically increasing market size will likely result in reduced revenue for long time, committed vendors, the ones who show every up single Saturday, no matter how lousy the weather. And the many new vendors may or may not not have the same commitment to provide the sort of continuity customers have counted on for decades.
So make your voice heard, click below to sign the petition. Thanks!
So make your voice heard, click below to sign the petition. Thanks!
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse