The Charlotte County Farmers Market at Drakes Branch recently announced the May 4 opening of their third season at the Drakes Branch Pavilion.

In addition, the market announced several new vendors for the upcoming season and the addition of a satellite farmers market in Charlotte Court House on Tuesday afternoons.

“I think there’s a certain amount of clientele that we may be missing due to hours, some due to they may be leaving the court house area, headed to Keysville … ,” said Charlotte County Farmers Market Advisor and Agriculture Extension Agent Bob Jones.

He said he hopes to catch some of that traffic with the additional market.

We would like to commend the Charlotte County Farmers Market for their impressive efforts over the last three years and pulling together a seasonal market everyone can look forward to.

During that last two years, the Town of Drakes Branch saw a noticeable increase in traffic during market days.

One of the newest, and perhaps freshest ideas to the farmers market lineup is the addition of a winery.

Jones said Bright Meadows Farm of Nathalie, a new winery vendor will be available at the market on the first Friday of each month to host wine tastings. “(Drakes Branch) Town Council agreed to let us do a wine tasting,” he said.

Jones said all permits are in place for the tastings and two or three wines will be showcased at a time, out of 13 total wines.

“Wines and hard cider and all that are a big part of agriculture now,” he said.

We applaud the farmers market for being innovative in their approach.

It is our hope that the Town of Charlotte Court House will benefit in the same way the Town of Drakes Branch has from the farmers market.

Not only does the market provide an increased presence in the local area, but individuals are able to consume fresh produce at competitive prices.

The Charlotte County Farmers Market is unique because it has a little something for everyone to enjoy, providing a festival like atmosphere for those in town.

Thank you to the Charlotte County Farmers Market, Town of Drakes Branch and Town of Charlotte Court House for taking a step in the right direction to stimulate our locals towns.