A very happy Virginia Farmers Market Week to you all!
Join us in celebration with people across the state August 1-7 as we recognize and applaud Virginia Farmers Markets! Do you realize the number of farmers markets in the state has increased 115% in the last six years, from 88 markets in 2004 to 190 markets today. More and more, people desire local, farm fresh foods for better health and recognize the considerable contributions farmers markets make to “enhance economic growth and positive social impact” in their communities. We of King George Farmers Market thank Gov. McDonnell for this public recognition of the qualities and values we witness at the Market every Saturday!
Visit the Market this week to congratulate our local growers!
Many thanks to Dale Sisson, Chairman of the King George Board of Supervisors, for reading aloud the Governor’s Proclamation at the Market last Saturday. Kudos to all who are working so hard to help our Market thrive!

Photo Contest
In celebration of the week, Virginia Dept. of Agriculture is hosting a number of events, including a Farmers Market Photo Contest. Prizes of $100 in Virginia Grown products are offered to photographers in several age categories as well as a special prize for the Market with the most photos entered. Please visit www.VirginiaGrown.com for complete details.

KGFM Quilt Giveaway!
The delicious quilts created by KG Bees Quilting Club as a fundraiser for our Market speak for themselves! Tickets are available at the market each Saturday and cost $1 apiece or 6 for $5. Get your tickets soon, for they are going like hotcakes. Drawing for the first quilt will be Sept. 4. Tickets for the second quilt will be available soon; the drawing for that quilt will be on Market closing day, Thanksgiving Saturday.

Tomato Canning Class
This Sunday, Aug. 8. 2pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Route 218 and Dahlgren Road.) BYO Jars. Tomatoes available at a discount of $15/bushel at the Market this Saturday for class registrants. Class is free, but registration is required. Sign-up at the Market on Saturday or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to reserve your space.
 
Check it out!
As many of you know, King George has been in the lead of America’s Favorite Farmers Market Contest since it opened June 1st. We have had a fabulous show of support and thank everyone who has voted for us so far! We are not through yet, however! The contest runs until August 31st and we do have some competition inching our way! Please visit www.Farmland.org/vote to cast your vote. Check out the Top 20 Markets in each size category and order yourself a free “No Farms. No Food.” bumper sticker, while you’re at it!
If you have already voted, please take a moment today to get a friend, spouse or co-worker to vote. Every vote counts! Spread the word to your email lists and/or Facebook page, too!  A much-coveted Market Promotion Package from American Farmland Trust, including a custom logo, will be the prize to the winning Markets.

Thank you all for your support of King George Farmers Market. I look forward to seeing you all at the Market this Saturday for Virginia Farmers Market Week!

DeLaura Padovan