Market season is just around the corner. Saturday, April 2, marks the first day of the Charlottesville City Market season, which extends through October and is open to customers from 7am until noon each Saturday. The market will also offer produce from November through December, from 8am until 2pm.
Last year, the 100 or so market vendors generated more than $1.4 million in sales, up from $1.2 million in 2009. Also in 2010, the market began serving customers in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly the Food Stamp Program. The program, managed by the Jefferson Area Board for Aging, enables SNAP participants to buy produce at the market, and continues this year.
While the market will continue to be held at the parking lot between South and Water streets, the city is still looking for a larger, more permanent location. The list of criteria for potential sites includes a lot that is bigger than the current .8 acres, public transportation access and a permanent pavilion.
