Chesapeake Farmers Market

The Chesapeake Farmers' Market began in 1999 at it's current location at Chesapeake City Park. This initiative by the Chesapeake Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension was in response to requests from farmers needing a place to sell their produce and plants directly to the public. The market has acquired a loyal following of citizens looking to buy FRESH, LOCAL produce and plants.  Citizens enjoy the market for a variety of reasons. The ones most commonly cited are freshness, taste, knowing where their food comes from, supporting local farmers, and enjoying the many amenities of the park. Citizens often combine a visit to the Farmers' Market with a family outing, whether it be to jog, visit "bark in the park" area with their dog, family cookouts, playtime with the kids, soccer games, or scheduled events at the park.

Farmers bring their produce straight from the field on their pickups or trailers and park under a row of pine trees. Shoppers can browse a variety of good things to eat or purchase beautiful plants for the yard or inside the home. Only local produce or plants are allowed, so freshness is guaranteed.  The market operates mid-June through the end of November. It is open Wednesday's and Saturday's from 8:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. and Sunday's from 11:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. The market may close during periods of inclement weather.

Renovations planned for City Park include a new permanent Farmers' Market building where farmers may pull their pickups and trailers under to sell to the public.  That facility will also provide an area where VCE mini-lessons may be offered on growing produce and plants, food preparation and nutrition, and other topics of interest on display to the public.