Ron Branch calls farmers markets an event that’s not only a great place to get locally grown produce, meats, berries, cheese and more, but it also has a strong sense of community.

Branch, market manager of the Alexandria Farmers Market, said that sense of community is the conversations and connections made between the customers and vendors. And it’s something felt among the vendors.

“We work together,” he said. '"If you are out of something a customer wants, you end them onto someone else. You try to know what’s going on in your community.”

For some, attending the farmers market is a family affair. Ron excused himself from our conversation to talk to a young mother and her two children. The oldest, a boy, is three-years-old, he said later. The little one had made his first visit as a new born. In fact, his parents were leaving the hospital to head home, but first they came to the market.

“Kids grow up with the farmers market,” he said. “It’s fun and social. But they can also get involved with the shopping and possibly preparing the goods and eating them.”

It’s a great experience for youth, including the children of the vendors. As they help, they fine tune their math skills and socialize with customers.

Whether it’s your first visit to a farmers market or you’ve visited farmers markets every year for, well, years, there are some things to consider:

1. Price - Yes, you can dicker, but don’t be surprised if vendors remain firm on the price of an item. The vendors consider their costs of production from seeds and soil implements to gas for the tractors and machines and water.

2. Bags - Vendors have bags to put your purchases in, but if you can bring your own, that’s great! There are some super cloth and canvas bags.

3. Be prepared to take it home - Think about a small cooler or an insulated bag to keep it fresh or to keep items like frozen meats frozen till you get home.

4. Have fun! - On the day I visited the Alexandria Farmers Market, there was a line at one stand selling strawberries. Everyone was patient, waiting their turn, and enjoying the sites and sounds of the market.

5. Ask questions! No one knows more about what the vendors bring than the vendors. Is there a turnip you’ve never seen before? Ask the vendor how to prepare it. And, as Branch points out, oftentimes simplist is best with a simple saute and salt and pepper. Don’t be shy to ask. And not only about how to prepare it, but also about production methods. You will find a variety of growing systems from certified organic to conventional, high tunnels to hydroponics.

6. Check out the dairy and meats - There are great local meat and cheese offerings to consider at the farmers market. Those items must all meet state and federal health requirements. And, again, if you have questions, ask! Vendors are open to the discussion.

7. Shop a farmers market first! There are some great meals that can be planned around a farmers market visit. I overheard one person say she was just looking as she’d just spent $200 at the grocery store. She got some ideas for her next visit to the farmers market, but be aware that some of those same purchases of fresh, recently picked produce and fruits, can be found at the farmers market.

   
   

While the goods are great, the experience is something to cherish. There’s a bond that forms amongst the vendors and customers. It’s community. It’s an event.

The Alexandria Farmers Market featured in this post operates three days a week. Tuesday from 9-12; Thursday from 3-6 p.m. and Saturday from 9-12. The market is located at Big Ole Central park at Broadway and 2nd Ave.