The RFMAA recently began the transition to the Central Virginia Market Alliance.
In hopes of cultivating a networking and community development platform, a broad range of programs for both market venues and its entrepreneurs will be offered to our members.
Programs which are currently being created include:
Vendor and Consumer surveys to allow the cultivation of true community based growth. By gathering local feedback and processing it with regional responses, the surveys will allow each market to properly serve its community while using outside ideas to offer a wider range of goods and services of the region.
Advanced Spotlight on venues will offer press for markets, vendors, and their communities. This will reach local individuals through multiple media forms while showcasing randomly selected entrepreneurs of each venue to publicize each markets goods and culture. Also, this is designed to support the community the market serves by giving attention to local community business and history.
Partnership with 501(C)(3) tax exempt organizations to offer tax deductible donation acceptance for monies dedicated to market development and entrepreneur mentoring. At this time, though the CVMA is recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia as not for profit, we are currently not seeking a tax exempt status.
Entrepreneur Workshops will offer free or low cost leadership forums on business advertising, record keeping, tax filing for small businesses, marketing, high yield sales options, community outreach, special event planning, and general safety. These classes will be offered locally under most circumstances as many will be region specific.
Low Cost Insurance options will be available to vendors and markets under an umbrella format. This option will offer (based on availability through carrier) insurance to cover marketplaces holding special events or open markets as well as to individual vendors to cover injury or loss of goods, etc., caused by incident during the creation of individual merchandise. This is still in the very early stages. Studies are under way to find the best cost effective services to offer.
Partnership with similar interest associations will be created in an effort to build support for the alliance and its member markets. This will include email updates and special interest contacts on a local, regional or alliance wide level. Organizations with a specific agenda, such as "Buy Local" campaign and "Go Green" initiative will be the highest priority.
Please be patient as the RFMAA makes its transformation and grows into the new CVMA. We will give updates as they become available.
If you have an idea you feel would be valuable to the alliance, please email the RFMAA at richmondfmaa@gmail.com.
Thank you for your support!
Scott Sibley
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Farmers' Market Manager hired!
After a long search for the right candidate to fill the position of the 17th Street Farmers' Market Manager chair, a decision has been made.
Please welcome George Bolos to the 17th Street Farmers' Market. George Bolos, relocaing from Pennsylvania, accepted the position 2 weeks ago and has been learning the Richmond ropes as fast and as thoroughly as he is able. With the leadership Mr. Bolos will soon offer the market, coupled with the unmatched support of Vendor Coordinator Linette Bond, we can only expect to see a great improvement to our farmers' market. With this transition, we as a community must also do our part to support the farmers' market, its staff and its vendors.
Should you visit the 17th Street Farmers' Market and run across its new manager, please take a moment to welcome him to his new home. Should you see Linette, please let her know how much her devotion to the market is appreciated.
See you at the 17th Street Farmers' Market!
Scott Sibley
Chairman
RFMAA
Please welcome George Bolos to the 17th Street Farmers' Market. George Bolos, relocaing from Pennsylvania, accepted the position 2 weeks ago and has been learning the Richmond ropes as fast and as thoroughly as he is able. With the leadership Mr. Bolos will soon offer the market, coupled with the unmatched support of Vendor Coordinator Linette Bond, we can only expect to see a great improvement to our farmers' market. With this transition, we as a community must also do our part to support the farmers' market, its staff and its vendors.
Should you visit the 17th Street Farmers' Market and run across its new manager, please take a moment to welcome him to his new home. Should you see Linette, please let her know how much her devotion to the market is appreciated.
See you at the 17th Street Farmers' Market!
Scott Sibley
Chairman
RFMAA
Monday, August 25, 2008
Pictures from Arts in the Alley
Click HERE for a slideshow from the Richmond Times-Dispatch of our amazingly dedicated volunteers and their wonderful murals. More pictures to come in the very near future, so keep your peepers peeled.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Democrats to tape questions for convention at 17th Street Farmers Market
From Richmond Times-Dispatch:
The Democratic Party is calling all Virginians to submit questions to be answered at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver later this month. Richmond is one of eight cities holding "open calls" to submit questions or individual stories. During the convention, elected leaders, national policy experts and other speakers will respond to questions live from the convention floor. Questions also will be answered online. The taping will take place from 9 a.m. until noon Thursday at the 17th Street Farmers Market in Shockoe Bottom. Text and video questions can also be submitted online.
The Democratic Party is calling all Virginians to submit questions to be answered at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver later this month. Richmond is one of eight cities holding "open calls" to submit questions or individual stories. During the convention, elected leaders, national policy experts and other speakers will respond to questions live from the convention floor. Questions also will be answered online. The taping will take place from 9 a.m. until noon Thursday at the 17th Street Farmers Market in Shockoe Bottom. Text and video questions can also be submitted online.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thank you 17th Street Supporters!
To the many supports of the 17th Street Farmers' Market:
Many comments have been made regarding a recent article written by Deveron Timberlake and published by Style Weekly entitled "Pie Eyed In South Side". Though the statement was brief, the damage was done to our historic market. With this, a major outpouring of support reached the publishers of Style Weekly and several of these statements have been published in the "Letters To The Editor" section.
On behalf of the Richmond Farmers' Market Advancement Association, and Shockoe Bottom community, I would like to thank all the customers, vendors, and community marketplaces that have stood up for the 17th Street Farmers' Market. The display of support has shown the City of Richmond the 17th Street Market is truly cherished and considered a part of the team of community markets in the Metro area.
With your continued support, the 17th Street Farmers' Market is again becoming a true focal point of the community. Please visit the market often and watch us grow!
Warmest Regards,
Scott Sibley
Chairman
RFMAA
Many comments have been made regarding a recent article written by Deveron Timberlake and published by Style Weekly entitled "Pie Eyed In South Side". Though the statement was brief, the damage was done to our historic market. With this, a major outpouring of support reached the publishers of Style Weekly and several of these statements have been published in the "Letters To The Editor" section.
On behalf of the Richmond Farmers' Market Advancement Association, and Shockoe Bottom community, I would like to thank all the customers, vendors, and community marketplaces that have stood up for the 17th Street Farmers' Market. The display of support has shown the City of Richmond the 17th Street Market is truly cherished and considered a part of the team of community markets in the Metro area.
With your continued support, the 17th Street Farmers' Market is again becoming a true focal point of the community. Please visit the market often and watch us grow!
Warmest Regards,
Scott Sibley
Chairman
RFMAA
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Gone to the Birds
Make it a day at the Market! Following the events of the Shockoe Chef Showdown, the City of Richmond's 17th Street Farmers' Market is going to the birds! Flock to the Market to witness a very rare urban phenomenon as 10,000 Purple Martins roost at sunset!
A Purple Martini, anyone? Local participating restaurants will have drink & dinner specials, plus there will be FREE PURPLE ICE CREAM and on-site information available about the birds that call Shockoe Bottom their home for one month each summer.
Sponsored by: The 17th Street Farmers' Market, Shockoe Bottom Merchant's Association, City of Richmond
Special thanks to the many volunteers and bird enthusiasts, The Purple Martin Conservation Association, and Nicely Bros. Ice Cream Distribution Co.
Shockoe Chef Showdown - a call to backyard growers
Got a garden that's overflowing with fruits and veggies? Have a ton of tomatoes, a colossal crop of cukes, a mound of melons? Wondering how you'll ever eat it all?
Sell them this Saturday at the 17th St Farmers Market during the Shockoe Chef Showdown. Booths are inexpensive, coming complete with cover and risers to display your wares, and no season-long commitment. You don't need to be licensed or inspected by any government office to sell produce at the farmers market. Just call or email Linette at 646-0377.
Be there to witness Richmond's inaugural culinary competition, with more than a dozen local chefs ready to battle for gustational domination!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Who's up for a challenge?
What do these items mean to you? I want to know.
Shockoe Bottom. River District. Buy Local. 17th Street Farmers Market.
Are you a leader or a follower? Are you willing to stand up to protect a gem that has been slandered by the public voice for many seasons? Are you willing to protect this asset which sets itself apart from any other market in the community purely because of its style and history?
It takes a very strong person to be a leader and an even stronger person to stand up when they are the only one on their feet. Are you a leader? A leader will not be foiled by those who do not stand with them. A follower will let "everyone else" do the talking.
We are leaders and dare anyone to cross us in the goal of getting positive attention to the 17th Street Farmers Market. This is our market. This is Shockoe Bottoms market. This is YOUR market. Stand up with me to protect it or sit down and stay quiet.
What do you like about this market? One thing? One hundred things? What makes you want to come to the 17th Street Farmers Market it Shockoe Bottom?
Tell me.
Scott Sibley
Chairman
R.F.M.A.A.
Shockoe Bottom. River District. Buy Local. 17th Street Farmers Market.
Are you a leader or a follower? Are you willing to stand up to protect a gem that has been slandered by the public voice for many seasons? Are you willing to protect this asset which sets itself apart from any other market in the community purely because of its style and history?
It takes a very strong person to be a leader and an even stronger person to stand up when they are the only one on their feet. Are you a leader? A leader will not be foiled by those who do not stand with them. A follower will let "everyone else" do the talking.
We are leaders and dare anyone to cross us in the goal of getting positive attention to the 17th Street Farmers Market. This is our market. This is Shockoe Bottoms market. This is YOUR market. Stand up with me to protect it or sit down and stay quiet.
What do you like about this market? One thing? One hundred things? What makes you want to come to the 17th Street Farmers Market it Shockoe Bottom?
Tell me.
Scott Sibley
Chairman
R.F.M.A.A.
The Style Weekly Saga
Hello Friends of the 17th Street Farmers Market!
This is an update to the saga caused by a recent article published in Style Weekly. In the July 2nd issue, Deveron Timberlake published an article "Pie Eyed in South Side". Though the article was a wonderful marketing tool for a local venue, the article also served the 17th Street Farmers Market with a greater negative public view. It came with one simple line.
"Every Saturday morning, the little farmers' market that could kicks the teeth out of the farmers' market that seems to dry up a little more each season in Shockoe Bottom."
That was the only statement the 17th Street Farmers Market received. Think of how you would feel being an average reader looking to find alocal market venue. How would you address the concern?
Below is the email thread beginning with the message I sent to the editor regarding the article and neighborhood response.
If you feel as strongly about this issue, and how no market should rely on demeaning articles to better their own business, then make your thoughts known! We all offer the public a great local resource and should support each others growth. There is no better time tostart that teamwork than right now.
Thank you for your time and I look forward your responses.
Scott Sibley
Chairman
R.F.M.A.A.
------------------------------ORIGINAL EMAIL:Style Weekly:
In your current issue, Deveron Timberlake published a story regarding the growth of the Forest Hill Park farmers' market. The writers ability to create a scene for the reader is impressive and giving a spotlight to local vendors is a must to receive positive public response. Once readers see this article, they will surely want to visit the market, and even purchase a pie or two.
Though the story was enjoyable, the entry was a true "kick in theteeth" for the vendors, neighbors, businesses and associations tryingto make the 17th Street Farmers Market a success. For over a year, for example, the individuals which now form the Richmond Farmers Market Advancement Association, have worked to get positive publicity for themarket while pointing out the issues we face. Though we are not affiliated with the City, we pride ourselves on the oldest, most historic market in the state. Any time a negative article regardingthe 17th Street Market is published, it only furthers the negativeview the public has on this venue. We have many great vendors that arededicated to this market and would do anything to keep it alive. Further, we have just as many enthusiastic neighbors around this market who want to see it succeed. We also have the free parking, strollers and well mannered dogs which give this a community feeling. In short, publishing this article is directly attacking all ouractions to save the 17th Street market. Though we do know that Scott Bass is working on an article asking the important question on why this market is in the state it is in, we still need all the positiveinfluence the press can give.
With this said, we invite Deveron Timberlake to the 17th StreetFarmers Market to see all this venue has to offer. Maybe with a review as wonderful as was given to the Forest Hill market, we may be able toget more visitors. The more visitors we get the better this market will become, in turn giving you more to write about. Its a full circle that starts with a little positive press.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.
Regards,
Scott Sibley,
Chairman
Richmond F.M.A.A.
---------------------------------------Message from Deveron Timberlake:
Dear Scott,
Thanks for your recent message to us at Style. I'm sorry you are disappointed in my recent column. Of course I'm not the only one with criticisms of the 17th street market -- many local blogs and former market customers and growers are full of them, sadly, and I know this is not news to anyone who follows the situation.
However, I do not mean to imply criticism of the vendors themselves,many of whom make great sacrifices to do their work and to find a willing market for their wares. I respect their efforts and enjoy the opportunity to highlight growers and artisans as a regular part of ournews coverage.
I have visited the 17th St. market numerous times over the past several years, in addition to farmers' markets in Charlottesville,Savannah, Charleston, New York, Seattle, Goochland, and other countries, and truly appreciate the variety of produce and merchandise that is offered and the value that these markets bring to their communities. It is exciting to see a movement take hold. Shoppers whoare fortunate enough to travel will also draw comparisons, and hope for similarly successful and vigorous markets in their home towns.
That said, I stand by my view, however painful, that the 17th St.market needs and deserves immediate attention to improve its appeal to consumers, particularly in an ever more competitive marketplace. Many downtown residents who could easily shop there have chosen instead to go south of the James, out to Brookview Farm, or even to Cville, and that indicates greater concerns, which I trust you and your committe eare working to address.
Feel free to let me know about changes that are taking place. I'm always glad to hear about, observe and report on developments in this area and will look forward to hearing details as you work toward an improved market in Shockoe.
Sincerely,
Deveron Timberlake
food & drink editor
Style Weekly
1313 E. Main St.Richmond, VA 23219
804.358.0825 ext.356
---------------------------------RESPONSE REGARDING THIS REVIEW:
Hello Deveron.
I respect your views on the 17th Street Market, however I am confident you failed to understand the issue at hand and cause for my initial contact. You do not have to belittle a market that has nothing to do with the story you are addressing. Your story was about the growth of a market and you addressed that very well. Your views were stressed on how great that market is and you should have stuck with it. Instead,with one line used as the entry you created a negative public view of a market you didn't even talk about.
This negative press is one of the things we are fighting against. If you do not see the cause for our concern then you may simply wish to write articles and not include your personal opinions. I'm truly sorry you do not see the hurt this article caused to my organization, the17th Street Farmers' Market and the businesses which work to protect the venue.
Thank you for your time.
Scott Sibley
Chairman
R.F.M.A.A.
This is an update to the saga caused by a recent article published in Style Weekly. In the July 2nd issue, Deveron Timberlake published an article "Pie Eyed in South Side". Though the article was a wonderful marketing tool for a local venue, the article also served the 17th Street Farmers Market with a greater negative public view. It came with one simple line.
"Every Saturday morning, the little farmers' market that could kicks the teeth out of the farmers' market that seems to dry up a little more each season in Shockoe Bottom."
That was the only statement the 17th Street Farmers Market received. Think of how you would feel being an average reader looking to find alocal market venue. How would you address the concern?
Below is the email thread beginning with the message I sent to the editor regarding the article and neighborhood response.
If you feel as strongly about this issue, and how no market should rely on demeaning articles to better their own business, then make your thoughts known! We all offer the public a great local resource and should support each others growth. There is no better time tostart that teamwork than right now.
Thank you for your time and I look forward your responses.
Scott Sibley
Chairman
R.F.M.A.A.
------------------------------ORIGINAL EMAIL:Style Weekly:
In your current issue, Deveron Timberlake published a story regarding the growth of the Forest Hill Park farmers' market. The writers ability to create a scene for the reader is impressive and giving a spotlight to local vendors is a must to receive positive public response. Once readers see this article, they will surely want to visit the market, and even purchase a pie or two.
Though the story was enjoyable, the entry was a true "kick in theteeth" for the vendors, neighbors, businesses and associations tryingto make the 17th Street Farmers Market a success. For over a year, for example, the individuals which now form the Richmond Farmers Market Advancement Association, have worked to get positive publicity for themarket while pointing out the issues we face. Though we are not affiliated with the City, we pride ourselves on the oldest, most historic market in the state. Any time a negative article regardingthe 17th Street Market is published, it only furthers the negativeview the public has on this venue. We have many great vendors that arededicated to this market and would do anything to keep it alive. Further, we have just as many enthusiastic neighbors around this market who want to see it succeed. We also have the free parking, strollers and well mannered dogs which give this a community feeling. In short, publishing this article is directly attacking all ouractions to save the 17th Street market. Though we do know that Scott Bass is working on an article asking the important question on why this market is in the state it is in, we still need all the positiveinfluence the press can give.
With this said, we invite Deveron Timberlake to the 17th StreetFarmers Market to see all this venue has to offer. Maybe with a review as wonderful as was given to the Forest Hill market, we may be able toget more visitors. The more visitors we get the better this market will become, in turn giving you more to write about. Its a full circle that starts with a little positive press.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.
Regards,
Scott Sibley,
Chairman
Richmond F.M.A.A.
---------------------------------------Message from Deveron Timberlake:
Dear Scott,
Thanks for your recent message to us at Style. I'm sorry you are disappointed in my recent column. Of course I'm not the only one with criticisms of the 17th street market -- many local blogs and former market customers and growers are full of them, sadly, and I know this is not news to anyone who follows the situation.
However, I do not mean to imply criticism of the vendors themselves,many of whom make great sacrifices to do their work and to find a willing market for their wares. I respect their efforts and enjoy the opportunity to highlight growers and artisans as a regular part of ournews coverage.
I have visited the 17th St. market numerous times over the past several years, in addition to farmers' markets in Charlottesville,Savannah, Charleston, New York, Seattle, Goochland, and other countries, and truly appreciate the variety of produce and merchandise that is offered and the value that these markets bring to their communities. It is exciting to see a movement take hold. Shoppers whoare fortunate enough to travel will also draw comparisons, and hope for similarly successful and vigorous markets in their home towns.
That said, I stand by my view, however painful, that the 17th St.market needs and deserves immediate attention to improve its appeal to consumers, particularly in an ever more competitive marketplace. Many downtown residents who could easily shop there have chosen instead to go south of the James, out to Brookview Farm, or even to Cville, and that indicates greater concerns, which I trust you and your committe eare working to address.
Feel free to let me know about changes that are taking place. I'm always glad to hear about, observe and report on developments in this area and will look forward to hearing details as you work toward an improved market in Shockoe.
Sincerely,
Deveron Timberlake
food & drink editor
Style Weekly
1313 E. Main St.Richmond, VA 23219
804.358.0825 ext.356
---------------------------------RESPONSE REGARDING THIS REVIEW:
Hello Deveron.
I respect your views on the 17th Street Market, however I am confident you failed to understand the issue at hand and cause for my initial contact. You do not have to belittle a market that has nothing to do with the story you are addressing. Your story was about the growth of a market and you addressed that very well. Your views were stressed on how great that market is and you should have stuck with it. Instead,with one line used as the entry you created a negative public view of a market you didn't even talk about.
This negative press is one of the things we are fighting against. If you do not see the cause for our concern then you may simply wish to write articles and not include your personal opinions. I'm truly sorry you do not see the hurt this article caused to my organization, the17th Street Farmers' Market and the businesses which work to protect the venue.
Thank you for your time.
Scott Sibley
Chairman
R.F.M.A.A.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Allez cuisine, Richmond!
Calling all Culinary Masters! "If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen..." and get down to the 17th Street Farmers' Market for the very first Shockoe Chef Showdown! So, you think you have what it takes to compete for title of Top Chef in Richmond's River District? Competition will be hot with judges and patrons taste-testing three different dish categories: Meat-based dish, Vegetarian-based dish, and Dessert - not to mention a Market Basket showdown where chefs will compete "Iron Chef"-style!EVENT INFORMATION
Event Time:
Shockoe Chef Showdown is from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Event Time:
Shockoe Chef Showdown is from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Check – In:
All participants must check-in by 9:00 a.m.
Booth Space:
Booth space is assigned on a first-come basis.
Samples:
Samples of your product are to be sold at $2.00 per serving to the public from 11:00 a.m. until the time of judging at 1:00 p.m. The 17th Street Farmers’ Market will provide bowls and silverware. After judging, participants may sell their product in bulk for a price at their discretion.
Chef Signature Dish Competition:
Awards for the Chef Signature Dish Competition will be given at 1:00 p.m.
Fresh Market Basket Competition:
Baskets for the Fresh Market Basket Competition will be provided at 2:00 p.m. Participants must submit their finished product by 3:00 p.m. Awards will be given at 3:30 p.m.
Contact Information:
Questions in regard to the Shockoe Chef Showdown may be directed to the 17th Street Farmers’ Market at 804.646.0477/804.646.0310 or the Department of Economic Development at 804.646.5633.
Health Permits:
All participants must obtain a temporary restaurant permit. The application for the permit is included in this packet and/or on our website (www.17thstreetfarmersmarket.com) and should be submitted by July
17, 2008 to the Department of Economic Development, 501 East Franklin Street, 8th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219. The permit fee is $20.00 and checks should be written to Richmond City Health District. If you have already paid the permit fee this year, attach a copy of the receipt to your application. For further
questions in regard to the permit, contact Environmental Health at 804.646.3120.
REGISTRATION FORM
TEMPORARY FOOD ESTABLISHMENT PERMIT
Thursday, June 19, 2008
RFMAA is gaining attention
We've managed to do it again! Rustling a couple more feathers that is.
Channel 12s Rachel DePampa was on the 17th Street Farmers Market today speaking with vendors and patrons to gain knowledge of the Richmond Farmers Market Advancement Association. I was also interviewed regarding the situation the market is in. The interview was used as an opportunity to gain media attention and call on residents of the city to assist in securing the future of the farmers market.
Shortly after the interview ended with Channel 12, I received a call from Style Weeklys Scott Bass. Scott is working on a story which will hit the press in a week. Though I am unsure to the exact reason for the press, I am sure it will raise more questions and shed a light on the issues we face in the area.
I am looking forward to these two releases as I am sure it will cause more interest to build for the Shockoe Bottom community.
Tune in to WWBT 12 Friday at 5 and 6pm for the interview with Rachel DePampa and look for the issue of Style Weekly in the coming weeks!
Channel 12s Rachel DePampa was on the 17th Street Farmers Market today speaking with vendors and patrons to gain knowledge of the Richmond Farmers Market Advancement Association. I was also interviewed regarding the situation the market is in. The interview was used as an opportunity to gain media attention and call on residents of the city to assist in securing the future of the farmers market.
Shortly after the interview ended with Channel 12, I received a call from Style Weeklys Scott Bass. Scott is working on a story which will hit the press in a week. Though I am unsure to the exact reason for the press, I am sure it will raise more questions and shed a light on the issues we face in the area.
I am looking forward to these two releases as I am sure it will cause more interest to build for the Shockoe Bottom community.
Tune in to WWBT 12 Friday at 5 and 6pm for the interview with Rachel DePampa and look for the issue of Style Weekly in the coming weeks!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
No salmonella tomatoes here!
Surely you've heard of the massive recall of several varieties of tomatoes at grocery stores and restaurants. Have no fear, farmers market faithfuls, the warning does NOT apply to tomatoes grown here in central Virginia. Shop with confidence!
See you tomorrow at 17th St!
See you tomorrow at 17th St!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Join RFMAA for Art In The Alley!
The RFMAA has recently teamed with Offering to bring Arts In The Alley to Shockoe Bottom!
August 23rd and 24th will be a very special weekend for Shockoe Bottom and the Richmond Farmers Market Advancement Association. This charity event is designed to reclaim the heavily used alleys of Richmond from graffiti and neglect. The weekend events will be as follows:
Saturday August 23rd:
Cleanup of Walnut Alley and the adjacent alley north to Franklin Street. This will include removal of all trash and debris, weeds, old posters and graffiti.
Sunday August 24th:
Renovation of the alleys will take place while featuring artists from the area. This will include retouching the mural on the wall of Alex's Thai Cuisine, Franklin Street Market, and Alley Katz, along with creation of several new murals. The project will also include bands performing at several venues through the alleys and 17th Street Farmers Market. The public is encouraged to take part, and children are welcome. Children will be able to paint their own flower on a mural!
If you are interested in taking part in this wonderful effort, please contact the Richmond Farmers Market Advancement Association at richmondfmaa@gmail.com!
August 23rd and 24th will be a very special weekend for Shockoe Bottom and the Richmond Farmers Market Advancement Association. This charity event is designed to reclaim the heavily used alleys of Richmond from graffiti and neglect. The weekend events will be as follows:
Saturday August 23rd:
Cleanup of Walnut Alley and the adjacent alley north to Franklin Street. This will include removal of all trash and debris, weeds, old posters and graffiti.
Sunday August 24th:
Renovation of the alleys will take place while featuring artists from the area. This will include retouching the mural on the wall of Alex's Thai Cuisine, Franklin Street Market, and Alley Katz, along with creation of several new murals. The project will also include bands performing at several venues through the alleys and 17th Street Farmers Market. The public is encouraged to take part, and children are welcome. Children will be able to paint their own flower on a mural!
If you are interested in taking part in this wonderful effort, please contact the Richmond Farmers Market Advancement Association at richmondfmaa@gmail.com!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Animalia! - this saturday - 17th St Farmers Market
Bring your pet (leashed or in carriers and with current shots) and join in the fun of this 9th Annual Pet Fete! Activities include the “Greyest Muzzle” for canines and for those unusual, super special pets we will host the “Niftiest Pet” contest. Reverend David Keill will lead a Blessing of the Animals on the Market, followed by the traditional “Parade of Pets.” Enjoy a petting zoo and a themed Children’s Animal Art Activity.
For more information call (804) 646-0310 or visit www.17thstreetfarmersmarket.com. Saturday, June 7, @ 17th Street Farmers’ Market, free admission, 9AM-4PM
Sunday, May 25, 2008
The 17th St Farmers Market needs YOUR help
The 17th Street Farmers Market is one of the oldest markets in America and is located in an area seeing terrific urban renewal, yet it continues to struggle. The greatest contributing factor to this is the lack of quality management. The previous year's management might at best be called “apathetic” and at worst, “disastrous.” At present, no manager is in place, leaving assistant manager Linette Bond to do the work of two or more people in operating, restoring and growing the farmers market.
The upward trend of Shockoe Bottom and the surrounding area can provide 17th Street Farmers Market with the opportunity to succeed along with it, but only if it is strong, well attended and well managed. It is to this end that Scott Sibley presents himself for consideration for the position of Market Manager. As a neighbor of the farmers market, Scott is intensely concerned with fostering the community of Shockoe Bottom, with the market at its heart.
Why Scott Sibley? Scott Sibley...
>grew up in Louisa County, working farmland and actively participating in FFA and 4H,
>personally manages over 100 staff and volunteers annually,
is experienced in planning and marketing of fund-raising events,
>has achieved steady growth in fund-raising for over ten years, nearly doubling contributions over a two year period,
>Has a client base willing to assist him, including but in no way limited to
Markel Corp.
Shockoe Bottom Association
Capital One
National FFA Organization
...and more!
To date, Scott has been unable to get due attention from the City offices who oversee the farmers market. Help us help the vendors, customers and neighbors of the 17th Street Farmers Market in championing Scott Sibley for the position of Market Manager.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
C U @ 17!
Thursday April 17 marks the opening of the 2008 season at the 17th St Farmers Market. Local growers and crafters will be out from 8:30-2 with all the handmade and homegrown goods that early spring has to offer.
If you work downtown, hop on GRTC's free Lunchtime Express shuttle, which runs every 10 minutes at stops right in front of the Market.
Be a friend, bring a friend!
If you work downtown, hop on GRTC's free Lunchtime Express shuttle, which runs every 10 minutes at stops right in front of the Market.
Be a friend, bring a friend!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Richmond Magazine
Run, don't walk, to get your April edition of Richmond Magazine and flip to page 195 for an article about Richmond farmers markets in general and 17th Street Farmers Market in particular. We even got a mention and that's no joke!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
We're on our way!
After several recent delays, our Articles of Incorporation have been submitted to the state. The check has been cashed and that can only be a good sign.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Our Mission Statement
The Richmond Farmers Market Advancement Association is an independent non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the 17th Street Farmers Market (Shockoe Bottom, Richmond, Virginia) as a viable, valuable, and necessary community resource, principally through the raising of funds for advertising and to supplement the operation of The 17th Street Farmers Market, both during its regular weekly markets and annual special events. In the future, we intend to expand to work with and assist other farmers markets in Richmond.
The 17th Street Farmers Market benefits the downtown Richmond community in three ways. One, it provides a family-friendly venue for customers to purchase locally-grown and often organic produce, meats, etc and locally-produced fine handicrafts. Two, it acts as a business incubator for the local, family-owned small businesses that provide these products. Three, its presence and operation enhances the efforts currently undertaken to revitalize downtown Richmond as a walk-able, citizen-friendly area, as the foot traffic generated by The 17th Street Farmers Market both bolsters and benefits from the foot traffic of surrounding shop and restaurants.
The 17th Street Farmers Market benefits the downtown Richmond community in three ways. One, it provides a family-friendly venue for customers to purchase locally-grown and often organic produce, meats, etc and locally-produced fine handicrafts. Two, it acts as a business incubator for the local, family-owned small businesses that provide these products. Three, its presence and operation enhances the efforts currently undertaken to revitalize downtown Richmond as a walk-able, citizen-friendly area, as the foot traffic generated by The 17th Street Farmers Market both bolsters and benefits from the foot traffic of surrounding shop and restaurants.
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