Independence Farmers Market

Grow More Vegetables, Part two: Pest, disease and irrigation
2025-03-01 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Grayson LandCare/IFM office, 104 Courthouse Street, Independence, VA, United States
Everyone is invited to an interactive vegetable growing workshop for all skill levels at the Grayson LandCare office, Saturday March 1st from 9 am to noon. The office is located at 104 Courthouse Street in Independence. Cost is $15 and light refreshments will be served. This is the second part of our Grow More Vegetables workshop series. It is not necessary to have attended the first class to take this one. We’ll focus on managing pests, diseases, irrigation and fertility using organic methods and will include some hands-on demonstrations of various tools and techniques. The snow date is Saturday March 8. The class is limited to 20 people. Please email Michelle Pridgen at independencefarmersmarket@gmail.com to register.

Grow More Vegetables February 15
2025-02-15 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Grayson LandCare/IFM office, 104 Courthouse Street, Independence, VA, United States
It’s back! Learn to pack a 21/2 X 5 foot raised bed with a huge amount of vegetables! It’s easy to multiply by 5 so this works for larger gardens too. This is an interactive vegetable growing workshop for all skill levels. We’ll meet at the Grayson LandCare/IFM office at 104 Courthouse Street, Saturday February 15th from 9 am to noon. Snow date is the 22th, same place and time. Cost is $15, pay at the door, and light refreshments will be served. Planting dates, spacing, interplanting and succession plantings will be addressed. Using information from the best national and local gardeners you’ll learn to apply these techniques to a single raised bed or a full-sized market garden.
In order to get the most out of the class, please come with a sketch, or even just the dimensions of your space. In addition, think about the top 5 vegetables you’d like to grow. This “homework” will give you a head start when we break into groups and design gardens for maximum production. Start planning for a successful garden now. The class is limited to 20 people. Please email Michelle Pridgen at independencefarmersmarket@gmail.com to register.
The next workshop which will cover pest and disease control, irrigation and fertility will be held March 1st, same location, price, and time. Snow date for the 1st workshop is February 22, March 8 for the second. You can take either or both classes.

Pruning workshop 11am-1pm
2025-02-08 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Church of the Good Shepherd
Join Grayson LandCare and the Permaculture Group Saturday February 8 from 11am until 1 pm at the Permaculture garden at Church of the Good Shepherd located at 9441 Grayson Pkwy, Galax, VA 24333 The workshop will be led by Casey Johnson. Casey has a degree in Horticulture from Penn State, manages the orchard at River North and is a GLC board member.
We’ll focus on fruit trees. If time allows blueberries will be included. Dress warmly and bring pruners or loopers if you have them.
Snow date is February 22

Plant the Park
2024-09-28 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Independence Town Park
Want to help plant the park? This event is hosted by the Town of Independence.
Here are the details: Please consider volunteering to help plant approximately 500 seedlings and shrubs in Independence Town Park on September 27th (afternoon) and/or September 28th (all day). We’re looking for approximately 20 volunteers who will be divided in to 4-5 planting teams. You don’t need experience – just a good attitude and a willingness to “dig in” (pun intended). We’ll take whatever time you can give us….and we’ll feed you well in return! Interested parties are asked to email Laura Ratcliffe (laura@independenceva.com) and Kit Marshall (kmarshall@independenceva.com) with questions or to sign up. Please include both as each are out of town between now and the event and we don’t want to miss your email. Thanks in advance!

Invasive plant Control, Sept 14
2024-09-14 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
This was one of our most popular presentations last year. If you need a refresher or missed the presentation last year, here’s your chance. Cynthia and Rick Taylor will share their expertise on how to control invasive plants common to our area. The workshop is from 1-4pm, location to be announced.

Introduction to Canning July 13
2024-07-13 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Gate Center Kitchen, Davis Street, Independence, 24348, United States
Did you miss the earlier canning classes or just need a refresher now that your produce is coming in? Join us for this Introduction to canning workshop Saturday July 13 from 1-4 pm. We highlight both water bath and pressure canning. I confess, I am a rank amateur when it comes to pressure canning. So let’s learn together! We will make water bath pickles and pressure can some beans. We’ll be cooking in the Gate Center kitchen. $15 covers the cost of supplies and everyone will take home a jar of pickles and beans. Please RSVP so we can have enough supplies. Michelle at graysonlandcare.org or 276-768-0597

2nd Saturday Market, July 13
2024-07-13 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Independence Town Park
The 2nd Second Saturday Market will be held Saturday, July 13 from 9am to 1pm. IFM Kids Bucks will be available to the first 20 kids to the Market booth. It is located in the center of the pavilion on the HWY 21 side. Each kid gets $5 of IFM kids bucks which can purchase anything at the Market.
Saturday Markets will also be held Saturday August 10 and Saturday September 14.

Cooking Day with Chef Jen July 5
2024-07-05 09:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Independence Town Park
Cooking Days with Chef Jen are the first Friday of the month. Our next one is July 5. Enjoy free samples and learn fast, fresh recipes featuring market products. Recipes are posted on the website, independecefarmersmarket.org., click “recipes”. We skip Cooking Day in August since that is the Tomato Festival. The remaining Cooking Days are September 6 and Squashtober on October 4.

No Mow, an introduction to Permaculture Principals June 22
2024-06-22 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Grayson LandCare/IFM office, 104 Courthouse Street, Independence, VA, United States
Are you tired of spending your free time mowing? Save time and money while helping pollinators and wildlife! Learn to use permaculture design principles to reduce maintenance and increase enjoyment of your space, no matter how large or small. Cynthia Taylor will lead this workshop Saturday, June 22 from 9 am to noon at the Grayson LandCare office at 104 Courthouse Street.
The public is invited to this workshop. Please rsvp to 276-768-0597 or director@graysonlandcare.org, space is limited”

First Fridays Cooking Day with Chef Jen
2024-06-07 09:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Independence Town Park
Cooking Days are back! Join Chef Jen as she makes delicious quick dishes from whatever is available at the Market. Free samples. Donations are appreciated and help to fund our cooking program.

Opening Day, Fiber Day AND Artisan Craft Fair.
2024-05-03 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Town Park
We will open the 2024 season the First Friday in May again this year to give everyone extra time to shop with our fabulous vendors for Mother’s Day gifts and to buy vegetable and flowering plants for our gardens.

Seed Library Open House April 13
2024-04-13 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Wythe-Grayson Regional Library
Everyone is invited to join us for an open house at the Wythe-Grayson Public Library Saturday April 13 from 1-3pm. The library is the host for the seed library which got it’s start during the pandemic as seeds became expensive and in some cases hard to find. The premise of the Seed Library is that folks “check out’ seeds for free, and at the end of the season bring some seeds back to keep the library stocked with open pollinated varieties that do well in our area.
You don’t have to bring seeds to enjoy the open house and you are welcome to take seeds to try. We’ll have a brief class on saving seeds at 2pm and we’ll have handouts and other information. Light refreshments will be served.
This event is free and open to the public and is co-sponsored by GLC and the Library.

Pruning Workshop 11am-1pm
2024-02-10 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Church of the Good Shepherd
Join Grayson LandCare and the Permaculture Group Saturday February 10 from 11am until 1 pm at the Permaculture garden at Church of the Good Shepherd located at 9441 Grayson Pkwy, Galax, VA 24333 The workshop will be led by Casey Johnson. Casey has a degree in Horticulture from Penn State, manages the orchard at River North and is a GLC board member.
We’ll focus on fruit trees. If time allows blueberries will be included. Dress warmly and bring pruners or loopers if you have them.

2nd Winter Market-FRIDAY December 2
2022-12-03 11:00 - 14:00 UTC | Independence Town Park
The 2nd Winter Market returns to Courthouse Street Friday December 2 from 3-6pm. Please note this is a change.

The second Winter Market is usually the first Saturday in December. This year vendors voted to join the Christmas Market and Tree Lighting held at the 1908 Courthouse on Friday December 2 from 3-6. The Farmers Market will hold the Annual Chili Cookoff during the Market on December 2nd with a first prize of $100. Please bring your entry to the Market by 2:30, preferably already warm, in a crockpot. The contest is free to enter, $5 allows you to taste all the chili and vote for the People’s Choice winner. We are bringing back Kids Bucks with a twist. The first 25 kids to the Market get $5 of Kids Bucks to spend on ANYTHING at the Market. Shop for delicious local products and beautiful crafts, say hi to your favorite vendors and support the local economy.

Winter Market November 25
2022-11-25 11:00 UTC | Independence Town Park
The Farmers Market is back in Town Park Friday November 25 from 11 am to 2 pm for our 1st of 2 Winter Markets. Kick off the Holiday season by shopping locally for delicious local products and beautiful crafts. We are bringing back Kids Bucks with a twist. The first 20 kids to the Market get $5 of Kids Bucks to spend on ANYTHING at the Market.

Last Market-October 14
2022-10-14 09:00 - 13:00 UTC | Independence Town Park
Our final regular Market of the 2022 season. Stay tuned for details.

Squashtober-October 7
2022-10-07 09:00 - 13:00 UTC
Join us Friday October 7 for Squashtober. Vendors will prepare a wide array of squash for tasting.

Apple Festival-September 23
2022-09-23 09:00 - 13:00 UTC
The Apple Festival will be held Friday September 23 from 9am to 1pm. The Market will be pressing apples and offering fresh cider as a fundraiser. Due to
space constraints at our temporary location we will not be able to offer the public the opportunity to press their own apples this year. The Festival also features
the Apple Dessert Contest. The only rule for this contest is the dessert must feature apples. Please bring your entry to the Market by 10am. Please be sure
that your name is attached to the bottom of your dish so it can be returned to you. Judging will begin at 10:30. Winners will be announced once the judging is
complete. First prize is $100, 2nd prize $30 and 3rd is $20. Desserts will be sold by the slice as a fundraiser.

Pepper Day
2022-09-09 09:00 - 13:00 UTC | Courthouse Street
Here’s your chance to taste the wide variety of sweet and hot peppers at our annual pepper tasting.

Fiber Day & Christmas in August Craft Day -August 26
2022-08-26 09:00 - 13:00 UTC | Courthouse Street
Fiber Day is the featured event of our Christmas in August Craft Day. Join us Friday August 26 during the regular Friday Market from 9am to 1 pm. The event is postponed from it’s original August 19 date
Support all our talented local artisans and shop local. We are always pleased to host our Fiber artisans, Fiber Days were an important feature in the early days of the Market and are always a great opportunity to purchase yarns, roving, raw fiber, baskets, and an array of knit, woven, and felted goods. Come and meet the artisans who often raise the animals providing fiber for the handmade items in their booths. Feel free to ask questions about farming with sheep, goats, alpacas, and rabbits, and see demonstrations of how raw fiber is turned into usable products.

Tomato Festival
2022-08-05 09:00 - 13:00 UTC | Courthouse Street
Join us for the Tomato festival on August 5th. Enjoy the free tomato tasting and enter the Monster Tomato contest. We are working out the details to do the salsa contest.

Berry Festival
2022-07-22 09:00 - 13:00 UTC | Courthouse Street
Join us for Berry Day on July 22nd. Thanks very much to River Ridge Organics for sponsoring the event again this year. Berry Sorbet will be available by the frozen pint as a fundraiser for the Market.

KIDS BUCKS-July 15
2022-07-15 09:00 - 13:00 UTC | Courthouse Street
Join Andrea Wann and the Virginia Family Nutrition Program for KIDS BUCKS sponsored by Molina Health Care. The 1st 25 kids to the Market get a $10 coupon to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs and honey.

Wellness Day
2022-07-08 09:00 - 13:00 UTC | Courthouse Street
Join us July 8th for Wellness Day. Area health professionals join the Market to offer free health information.

Kids Day
2022-06-24 09:00 - 13:00 UTC | 1908 Courthouse lawn
Join us for fun free activities for Kids of all ages June 24th. Kids Day was the first event ever held at the Market. It started in 2012. Join Andrea Wann and the Virginia Family Nutrition Program for KIDS BUCKS sponsored by Molina Health Care. The 1st 25 kids to the Market get a $10 coupon to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables, and eggs.

Fiber Day June 17
2022-06-17 09:00 - 13:00 UTC | Courthouse Street
We are happy to welcome the talented fiber artisans back to the Market for the first of 2 Fiber Days. This is always a wonderful chance to buy totally original handcrafted items for yourself and for gifts. You can also buy yarn and even raw wool and if you are interested in raising animals for fiber, these are the folks to ask. Save the date for the 2nd Fiber Day August 19.

Opening Day, May 6, Mother's Day Craft Fair
2022-05-06 09:00 - 13:00 UTC | Courthouse Street
Surprise, we are opening a week early so we can celebrate all the wonderful women in our lives on Mother’s Day. We will be opening on Courthouse street this year. In addition to our usual vendors, we’ll be joined by other craft artisans as well. We are looking forward to moving to Town Park under the new pavilion sometime this season.

This will be our 15th year! Thanks to Taffney Taylor Collins, Maureen Madden and Carol Lundgrun for starting the Market back in 2008. We are planning a full slate of events and are planning to bring back Cooking with Chef Jen once a month when we move to Town Park. Kids Bucks will continue this year as well. Stay tuned for more opening day events.

Here’s to a wonderful 2022 Market season.

Nutrition Day- June 4
2021-06-04 09:00 - 13:00 UTC | Independence Town Park
Join Andrea Wann of the Virginia Family Nutrition Program and Sandy Stoneman of VA extension for healthy recipes using fresh Farmers Market products.

Cook the Kit
2021-05-28 09:00 - 11:00 UTC | Independence Town Park
Join Arwen Cayton of Matthews Living History Farm Museum for Cook the Kit. Everything you need to make a delicious breakfast or dinner of grits and greens with sausage and eggs in kit form. Each box contains a recipe, a link to the cooking video, a colander, spices, butter and parmesan, plus fresh, local ingredients. The boxes are completely free to the 1st 13 families with kids. You do need to fill out an information form so Arwen can write a report for the grant she received from the Twin County Community Foundation, the supports of this event.

2nd Winter Market and Chili cook-off
2020-12-05 11:00 - 14:00 UTC | Independence Town Park
The Farmers Market is back in Town Park Saturday December 5 from 11 am to 2 pm for our 2nd Winter Market and Chili Cook-off. Enjoy free kids activities, shop for delicious local products and beautiful crafts and stay for the Parade and Town Activities.Be sure to enter or judge the Chili Cook-off. A $5 ticket lets you taste all the chili and vote for your favorite, we had a dozen entries last year, so it’s a bargain.
FREE to enter, bring your chili to the Market by 10:30. $100 1st prize! Thanks to our Market sponsors Skyline Bank, the Town of Independence, Grayson County and the Matthews Foundation and River Ridge Farm. This is the last day to pick up your pre-ordered Christmas trees and wreaths from Brookgreen Farm.
