Where and when does the Suffolk Farmers' Market take place? The Suffolk Farmers' Market is located at the Suffolk Visitor Center’s Special Events Pavilion, located at 524 North Main Street. The Market operates Saturdays, 9:00am to 1:00pm, May through late November. The farmers' market will operate rain or shine, as long as the safety of the vendors and patrons is not at risk.
The Suffolk Farmers' Market hosts occasional specialty events including but not limited to:
Bimonthly "farm and food" winter market (February through April)
Pop-up markets
Artisan Gift Fair (early December, one-day event)
Who can exhibit at the Suffolk Farmers' Market? Participation is open to regional producers within a 100-mile radius of Suffolk. Vendors are prequalified and pay a nominal fee to participate. Space assignment is determined by the Suffolk Tourism/Market staff. Produce and food vendors have first priority in placement. Food inspection is conducted by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Suffolk Tourism manages the market and provides marketing, promotions and sponsored special events. The Suffolk Farmers’ Market is a member of the Buy Fresh Buy Local Hampton Roads, the Virginia Farmers Market Association and the Farmers Market Coalition.
What items are sold at the Market? PRODUCE - Market Vendors sell goods that are grown, raised, landed and/or processed during the current growing season within a 100-mile radius of the City of Suffolk. Such goods may include, but are not limited to: fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs, plants, cut flowers, cheeses, meats, poultry and seafood. Products purchased for resale or grown outside the region (100-mile radius) are limited and labeled as such. This includes North Carolina cities bordering the city of Suffolk.
PREPARED FOOD - All processed foods, such as dried fruits, milk, and milk products, honey, home canned and baked goods, are certified by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
ARTS AND CRAFTS - Market Vendors sell crafts and related products that are handmade. (Flea market sales are not allowed at the market.) Refurbished/reclaimed items are at least 70% handmade, using new materials.
Are children allowed at the Market? Vendors: must be 16 years of age or older. Younger children are welcome to participate when directly supervised by an adult responsible for the children’s conduct and safety. Attendees: parents and/or guardians see that their children’s behavior meets the expectations of a place of business.
Are outside organizations allowed to participate at the Market? Guest organizations can participate in the market and may apply to attend as an educational organization for the purpose of educating the public on the following issues: nutrition and food preparation, environmental health, gardening, lawn and plant care, sustainable living, recycling, local history and Fine Arts.
What sanitation and safety procedures are in place? - Public Restrooms, water and refuse containers are provided on site by the City of Suffolk. - Electricity is limited and provided to vendors as availability allows. - Vendors are required to wear footwear at all times. - No cooking is permitted on site, unless approved by Market Facilitator. - Gas generators and propane burners are prohibited. - Slaughtering or dressing of animals is prohibited. - The sale of live animals is prohibited. - Flea market sales are prohibited. - Riding bicycles, tricycles, skate boards, roller skates, roller blades or other wheeled vehicles is prohibited. - Running, throwing objects and/or other playground activities are prohibited. - Smoking (electronic and regular cigarettes) is prohibited inside and around the pavilion and visitor center. - Curbside shopping options are available upon customer request.