4MRMarket Report: "Produce Has Arrived!" Edition

The Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market returns after a two week Easter and Spring Break hiatus. We've had vendor applications rolling in, and we'll be introducing some new and exciting vendors as the market makes its triumphant return this Sunday, May 1st.  Plus, work on the renovated community use building is nearly complete, so come take a peek.

First off, the list of confirmed vendors:

• The Stifler Beef Farm aka "What's For Dinner Now" (Shenandoah) - Natural, locally farm-raised black angus beef (flash frozen for convenience).
• Pleitez Produce (Northern Neck) - A full range of locally grown produce, herbs, and more.
• Patowmack Farm (Lovettsville, VA) - Organic value added products plus baked goods, smoothies, lemonade, and more.
• Bread and Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods.
• Roberto's Produce (Northern Neck) - Locally grown produce and potted plants.
• St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies.
• VéloCity Bike Co-op (Old Town) - Bike repair (see below).

We'll be loaded with plenty of produce this weekend as at least fresh asparagus, greens, and lots of fresh herbs are all in season with more crops coming every weekend. Not to mention potted flowers, herbs, tomatoes, and other plants to take home and begin your own little backyard farm.

If your bike needs a tune-up or anything else, bring it out and let VéloCity help.  VéloCity's mission is "to encourage a vibrant and inclusive cycling community by providing a non-profit, volunteer operated, do-it-yourself workshop for building and maintaining bicycles along with training, rides, and events to empower interaction, skills, fun, and freedom." They will be on hand with bike stands and tools to empower riders with DIY bike repairs, showing off 4MR Park as the hive of bicycling activity it is.

We also have a few featured items this week.  Newcomer Patowmack Farm has a phenomenal Elderberry Syrup that they say is worth the cost of admission (which is free, but you get the idea).  Also, Bread & Chocolate will be bringing along a range of artisan breads in addition to their normal pasty display.  For the shopper that wants to save on a bulk beef purchase, the Stifler's heard you loud and clear:

At the request of our customers, we are now offering discounted beef packages. Stop by to visit us to get more information and to place your order for pick up the following week.  Details on this week's discount package can be found on our website at www.whatsfordinnernow.com

So get out of bed and get over to 4MRMarket. We're open from 8am-1pm, so you can make it before of after church if that's holding you back. The weather is calling for a pleasant 70 degree day, and what better time to have a morning beverage and pastry at the Market Lounge to get you in the shopping mood.  Tell a friend, bring your neighbors, and lets get the market season started right!

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The Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market (Alexandria, Virginia 22305) brings fresh, nutritious food to people of all income levels, provide an opportunity for local artisans and producers of goods to bring their wares to market, strive to reflect the diversity of the community, and improve the quality of life for Arlandria residents and visitors. It is part of an overall vision to expand and improve Four Mile Run park and the surrounding neighborhood.

4MRMarket is open every Sunday from 8am until 1pm from May through October in Four Mile Run Park at 4109 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. 

(click here for directions)

For more info see: http://www.4mrmarket.org/

Or contact us at: 4mrm@arlandria.org