10 Responses to “New farmer’s market headed to Northside in 2009”

1. posted by Gary at September 3, 2008 11:44 am :
   

   With all the farmers markets around, and Lakeside holding theirs on Wed (are they still doing Sat?), why would someone start another market on Tuesday that would compete with the Byrd Market in Oregon Hill?

2. posted by peter francisco at September 3, 2008 8:16 pm :
   

   Lakeside Farmers Market holds two market periods on Wednesday’s (8AM-Noon and 3PM-7PM) and Saturday’s (8AM-Noon). Our markets run May-November. Three markets so close together (Byrd House, Lakeside and Bryan Park) would be a challenge. The Lakeside Farmers Market does serve the entire Northside community, plus is a large driver in the economic redevelopement of the North Richmond Area. A market in the Bryan Park area would do nothing for the economic redevelopment of the area. The Lakeside Market is a true Farmers’ Market offering produce and those items regulated by the Virginia Department of Agriculture. No crafts or yard sale type of items are allowed under the Provisional Use Permit that we operate under granted by the Henrico County Board of Supervisors, (P-18-07). The entire plan is on the Henrico County web site. The business in the Lakeside corridor do offer items for the shopper wishing to purchase something more than produce related items. This year, we have chosen the Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad to benefit from purchases made at the Lakeside Farmers’ Market. Sharon and Peter Francisco (owners of the Lakeside Market) will make a personal contribution to the Squad equal to the best market period performance during the months of August, September or October. So far this contribution will exceed $3,000.

3. posted by Lesley at September 4, 2008 9:35 am :
   

   Coming from an advocate for local food and and avid supporter of local farmers, bakers, and other local purveyors this might sound crazy, but I really don’t think this market is a good idea. I agree with the comment above – why create competition for two thriving markets? The location is not likely to create new business, rather take business away from the Lakeside Market and possibly Byrd House.

   What about local growers? With the ever-increasing interest in locally grown/locally produced foods, Richmond is experiencing an interesting challenge – there aren’t enough growers in the area to supply the city’s demand for local produce. And while some farmers have been able to ramp up growing this year, they are still small operators and can’t tend crops and staff multiple markets simultaneously – another reason 17th Street is failing.

   I’m all for more markets, but they should be in areas that don’t compete with other markets and shouldn’t be launched until there is enough supply to handle Richmond’s growing local food demand.

   If you’re a locavore – check out the Local Food Challenge on Ellwood Thompson’s website — http://www.ellwoodthompsons.com/news.php#locavore

4. posted by Rob at September 6, 2008 5:54 am :
   

   I concur that the fields at Brook and Westwood would be an ideal location, primarily because I could walk there. :)

   I don’t see the need for another market that would compete directly with two existing, successful markets.

5. posted by Bellevue Resident at September 6, 2008 1:05 pm :
   

   I think a Farmer’s Market at Bryan Park is a fantastic idea. If you have gone to the South of the James Market, you will see why a park location has many advantages…market day is packed with young and old, enjoying not only the market but the park as well. It is the most successful market in Richmond and the food vendors are exceptional.

   The ambience of Bryan Park sure beats a parking lot. The close proximity to Westminster-Canterbury and Imperial Plaza is also a great convenience….as is the location right off of 95.

   I can’t wait for the Market to open in the Spring! What a great opportunity for the northside!

6. posted by Becky at September 8, 2008 1:37 pm :
   

   Why in the world have a market on Tues. when the wonderful Byrd House Market is on Tuesdays?? Why not have a market on Thurs. or Friday? There just aren’t enough vendors to double up on markets….the effort would be diluted. We already have a lovely market in Lakeside….twice on Wed. and then on Sat.! I think we need to support the markets that are already established. South of the James works in Forest Hill because the park is so easily accessible to the neighborhood…..more so than Bryan Park. If there is to be another market in Northside I think that it should be on a day that does not compete with oter established markets.

7. posted by Tony at September 8, 2008 6:00 pm :
   

   I have watched the development of the Lakeside Farmer’s Market from a dream to a reality. As a Lakeside retailer who is able to watch the comings and goings of market shoppers and have heard their accolades(and complaints), I can honestly say that we do not need another Farmer’s Market in this area of town. The Francisco’s have spent endless resources – both time and money putting together a quality Market to serve the Lakeside/Northside area and 2008 is their madien year of operation. Let’s give them a true shot at this before we open another Market so close to this growing venue. Funny how for the longest time the Richmond area had only one Farmer’s Market (17th Street)…suddenly everyone wants to jump aboard the bandwagon!

8. posted by Sarah at September 16, 2008 8:27 am :
   

   I must concur – we do not need another market so close to others! I agree that Forest Hill park is a great location but people can actually WALK there – it is pretty hard to navigate to Bryan Park on foot. I have really enjoyed Lakeside Market this year and hope to see it continue, thrive and expand!

9. posted by A loyal shopper at February 13, 2009 3:35 pm :
   

   I know this is a late note, but it makes me so sad that the Market Umbrella (which is a for-profit business by the way) would start a market the same night as the wonderful Byrd House Market, which is the whole package: AWESOME vendors, a great location, and a non-profit focus on providing EVERYONE access to healthy, delicious local food. Thumbs down to this market in my book.

10. posted by North Richmond News » A new market, today! - Richmond, Virginia at May 4, 2009 8:54 pm :
    

    [...] we mentioned almost a year ago Northside is getting a new market (today!) in Bryan [...]

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