Irvington Farmers Market: as much a community event as a shopper’s paradise

by AnnGardner Eubank The Town of Irvington may be little, but its farmers market is mighty.

Approaching its 25th year in action, the Irvington Farmers Market has grown from a small gathering of just a handful of produce stands to becoming a destination event with nearly a hundred vendors and music.

According to market director Heather Sheehan, the market’s humble beginnings had just seven or eight produce vendors in its earliest years, primarily selling their small-farm crops and backyard eggs.

Today, while the market still emphasizes fresh and local produce, market-goers can spend hours marveling at a variety of artisan and makers booths.

Baked goods like desserts and breads, specialty chocolates, area wines, alpaca wool goods, oyster growing materials, hand-knitted pieces, wood creations, handmade furniture, jewelry, metal work, food trucks, body soaps and lotions, dog-ware and umpteen other locally sourced and curated products are on display.

According to Sheehan, more than 90 vendors have reserved space for each market. For the 2025 season, vendor spaces were sold out by March 1, she said.

Irvington makes for an ideal location for a market with its small-town charm and charisma. Cochairman Renée Randle said the market would not have become what it is today without the network of dedicated volunteers.

The Village Improvement Association (VIA) has always been at the helm of the market since its conception.

According to Randle, there are about 30 volunteers each market weekend who help make it all possible.

While the market operates from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on first Saturdays May through November, volunteers arrive as early as 6:30 a.m. They help welcome vendors, check them in, set up Wi-Fi, manage parking, conduct “vendor relations” to make sure they all have water and make sure that everything is running smoothly. And volunteers are typically the last to leave, cleaning up the grounds.

Their overall relationship with the vendors is something that sets them apart, said Sheehan.

“Great vendors bring great customers,” she said.

With vendors often traveling from all over the state, Sheehan said they prioritize being helpful to them to make sure they’re having a great day in Irvington.

From accommodating location requests to providing ongoing support throughout the day, the VIA makes it a collaborative approach to ensure all have a successful and enjoyable day at the market.

While the VIA is accommodating and the vendors are impressive, Randle said what truly sets the market apart from others is the real sense of community the day encapsulates.

“It’s really a community event, not just a market,” she said.

Sheehan added that compared to other markets she’s been to, people go to not only shop, but to socialize and be with their neighbors. In other city markets, she said, you’ll often see people quickly hunting down certain goods and rushing around. In Irvington, it’s much more of an activity where people come to be with one another as well as support small businesses.

“Here there’s a lot of interaction. Lots of dogs meeting, a lot of people catching up…It’s a lot of people having fun,” she said.

Located on Commons, music is always performed from the Gazebo, adding to the ambiance of the event.

This season’s lineup of musicians includes artists like Haze & Dacey, Shane Cooley, Mercy Creek, The Gurleys and Robbie Kerns & Co.

With an attendance of nearly 1,000 guests, the VIA is always looking for ways to make the experience better for all involved.

This year, the VIA is excited to offer upgraded restroom facilities, not just at the markets but for all VIA hosted events. The new temporary facilities include flushable toilets and hand washing stations.

Neighboring Steamboat Era Museum also will continue to have open houses during market hours.

While the market has certainly grown from just some fruits and veggies once a month to a sprawling variety of merchants and makers, the community and neighborly atmosphere remains a constant at its core.

“We have a great little town to do this in,” Sheehan said.

The Irvington Farmers Market is celebrating its 25th year in operation this spring. Over the years the market has grown with nearly 100 vendors, more than 30 volunteers and plenty of music, food and camaraderie. Photo courtesy of Heather Sheehan

The Irvington Farmers Market will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 3 at the Irvington Commons, 98 King Carter Drive, Irvington. Photo courtesy ofVirginia Farm Bureau Federation