Our Mission
Our mission is to provide the public with easy access to fresh, nutritious, locally produced agricultural goods and crafts of the highest quality; to assist local and regional farmers and other producers to directly market their products to the local customer base; and to support environmental stewardship and community well-being.
Market History
The Harrisonburg Farmers Market has a rich history that dates back to the 1950s. It all began with Clarence Dellinger, a local organic producer, who started selling his produce in the parking lot of the Harrisonburg Police Station.
In 1979, Samuel Johnson, a fruit and vegetable grower, along with the support of community leaders and the Downtown Harrisonburg Retail Merchants, established the Downtown Harrisonburg Farmers Market. The Market became an official business in 1994, incorporating as a producer-only market, ensuring that all products were locally grown and produced. Initially located in the lower level of the Liberty Street Parking Deck, the Market moved to the Municipal Lot on South Liberty Street in mid-summer of 2006. In 2008 the Market found its permanent home in the beautiful Turner Pavilion.
For over 45 years, the Market has been a reliable source of fresh, locally grown foods and crafts for the community. Today, the Market is a go-to destination in Downtown Harrisonburg. As awareness of the importance and benefits of eating locally and supporting local sustainable agriculture continues to grow, the Harrisonburg Farmers Market looks forward to playing an even more vital role in the community it serves.
