Downtown Front Royal Celebrates Launch of New Farmers Market

Early Sunday morning, Front Royal welcomed a vibrant addition to its downtown area with the inauguration of the new Farm to Market on Main, a dedicated farmers market to revitalize the local community and boost the economy. The Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony, held in the scenic gazebo area along Main Street, marked the beginning of what promises to be a central community gathering place.

Mayor Lori Cockrell, alongside members of Downtown Front Royal, Inc. (DFRi) and numerous residents, celebrated the return of the farmers market to the downtown Gazebo Village Commons area—a sentiment echoed by many locals over the years. The market will operate on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, from May through October, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

DFRi board members Danielle Haase and Jodi Wintrode, who have been instrumental in organizing the market, expressed their enthusiasm for the potential it brings. “Our goal is to make Main Street a hub of activity once again,” said Haase.

A notable emphasis has been placed on ensuring the market complements rather than competes with existing downtown businesses. “We’re focusing solely on true farmers market products and not crafts or ready-to-eat meals from vendors,” Wintrode explained. “This way, we encourage visitors to explore Main Street’s shops and restaurants, further supporting our local economy.”

The market is set to feature diverse vendors, including Saffelle Cattle Co., which offers local meats, Blooming Wild with fresh cut flowers, Happy Creek Cheese, and Robby D’s Little Greens with their microgreens. Additional vendors like Rock Ridge Homestead, Oak + Ollie with freshly made sourdough items, Hawksbill Mountain Mushrooms, CandyStone Caverns, and Petty Betty Treats will also provide a wide range of farm-to-table options.

Ellen Aders, DFRi board president, highlighted the market’s role in the community, stating, “We want everyone in Warren County to appreciate our downtown as much as we do, and a farmers market is a perfect way to draw people in.”

The Downtown Front Royal Farmers Market aims to be a place where locals can fulfill their grocery needs and a social venue where they can enjoy the community spirit every second and fourth Sunday. With plans to expand vendor participation and continuously enhance the shopping experience, Front Royal’s Farm to Market on Main is poised to become a beloved weekend tradition.