A Fresh Focus
One of the main reasons that folks attend the Farmer’s Market is to purchase their meats, treats, and produce from the faces they’ve come to know and love week after week. I thought I’d take the opportunity to share with you some of my favorite faces at the market.
Sessou of Becky’s Pastries. Sessou is one of the most animated and friendly faces to be found on Thursdays and Saturdays. Originally from Togo, Africa, Sessou started his family business the year his daughter, Becky, was born (now you understand the name). His apple turnovers are delicious.
When you meet Patrick Lane of Wildwood Farm, prepare yourself for his silly banter. He will most certainly showcase his wit during your conversation. He’s originally from Virginia but he’s fluent in German and has a way with bees. Honey is one of the main products he and his wife, Bettina, sell, yet he rarely wears a bee suit and almost never gets stung. Was he a bee in a past life? I think so. They also sell beef, eggs, moisturizers made with honey, and more.
One of the most colorful produce stands at the market is run by Roberto Medina. Roberto learned everything he knows from his father, who was also a farmer. He works incredibly hard, but is still cool as a cucumber at the markets. Roberto’s Produce is at our Thursday market.
You can’t miss Shelby of Cakes by Shelby at the market for two reasons: 1. She’s got beautiful bright red hair (and so do all of her girls). 2. She sells her goodies out of a gingerbread house. It’s not literally made out of gingerbread, but it’s really adorable and in no way makes you feel like you’re going to be pushed into an oven by a witch (Hansel & Gretel reference). You can build your own cupcakes at her cupcake bar or enjoy one of her
fantastic cakes or pies. My personal preference is her death my chocolate cake, which is to die for (hence the name).
Valerie of Piedmont Growers has been a fixture at our market. She’s been selling her plants and produce at our market for years and has built relationships with many shoppers. Her husband is the grower, and Valerie helps out, and works many of the markets. Their fruit is delicious and the hanging baskets are breathtaking. If you walk around Old Town Manassas, you can observe their beautiful work hanging on light poles.
You can find all of these fabulous people and more selling high-quality, locally-produced goods at the Farmer’s Market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. To find out more about our vendors , please visit our website.
Recent Stories
Commuter traffic in the Washington, D.C. metro area is set to surge as President Donald Trump issues an executive order ending remote work for federal employees. The Center Square reports that Trump’s directive mandates federal workers return to their offices full-time, with limited exemptions determined by department heads. The move is welcomed by regional leaders like Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who have long urged a return to in-person work to bolster public transit ridership and address underused federal buildings. Federal employees, who constitute a significant portion of D.C.-area residents, are pivotal to the region’s economy.
Fire investigators are still searching for answers in two recent fires that caused significant damage in Fredericksburg and Woodbridge. The December 5 blaze at Eagle Village Shopping Center began in the warehouse of Play It Again Sports and quickly spread, destroying multiple businesses. Despite extensive efforts, investigators have been unable to determine the fire’s cause. Meanwhile, a January 21 townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced two residents after unattended cooking sparked flames. Working smoke detectors alerted the occupants, allowing them to escape safely. Both incidents highlight the importance of fire safety and preparedness as investigations into the causes continue.
In a pivotal discussion during the January 21, 2025, meeting, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved funding measures for a new fire station in the Brentsville District, addressing a pressing need for expanded emergency services. The debate revolved around whether to utilize proffer funds—developer-contributed resources earmarked for public infrastructure—or tap into the county’s fire levy fund.
Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy initiated an amendment to the funding resolution, proposing the use of Brentsville District fire proffers “to the greatest extent possible” before considering the fire levy fund. With $3 million available in Brentsville fire proffers, Gordy emphasized aligning these restricted funds with their intended purpose: supporting fire and rescue services.
“This approach ensures that we prioritize restricted funds before relying on broader resources like the fire levy,” Gordy explained.
Arctic high pressure continues to grip the region, keeping dangerously cold temperatures and bitter wind chills in place through Thursday morning. The National Weather Service warns that these frigid conditions will persist, with temperatures struggling to climb above freezing during the day and plummeting overnight.
Temperatures on Wednesday will remain well below freezing, with daytime highs only reaching the teens and lower 20s. Wind chills will remain a significant concern, with values ranging from -10°F to -25°F in many areas.
By Wednesday night, winds will ease slightly as high pressure drifts overhead, but temperatures will still drop to the single digits in many areas, with subzero readings likely in higher elevations.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
