Dale City Farmers Market tests ‘Winter Market’

'Grace's Pastries' will be open during the Winter Farmers Market in Dale City. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
Apples at the Dale City Farmers Market, which is trying out a year-round market. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
Crepes are one of the items that will be available during the winter season of the Dale City Farmers Market. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
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Kathy Stewart, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – Those hearty enough to brave the winter cold can now enjoy the Dale City Farmers Market year-round.

“Yes, good news the market is going to be year round here now,” says Market manager Margaret Pulzone.

She says it really comes down to pleasing the customer. The “Winter Market” was the answer to a need.

Pulzone says customers want to buy vendor products in the winter but because the market closes they can’t. And, she says some vendors want to sell their products year-round.

Customer Vicky Taylor, from Dumfries, is thrilled by the news. She hates when the market closes for the season.

“Come November 21 or something it’s done,” Taylor says. “After Thanksgiving you can’t come anymore and get anything. You have to go to the supermarket and pay really high prices.”

But the “Winter Market” is a test run. And if it’s successful it will be back again next year.

So far the idea has been met with high praise by customers.

At the market Saturday morning, Pulzone says, “At least 10 customers have walked up to me and go, ‘I hear. I’m so happy.'”

She says obviously they won’t have fresh produce all winter long. But there will be other fresh products for sale including breads, pastries, cheeses, pickles, meats and crepes and more.

Monica Rice and her husband, who are regular Dale City Farmers Market customers, say they’ll definitely be back for the winter market. She’s hoping it’s a huge success and becomes a yearly thing.

The Dale City Farmers Market’s regular season ends Sunday, Dec. 11, 8 a.m. to 1p.m.

“Winter Market” starts Sunday, Dec. 18, 10 a.m. to 1p.m. and will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

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(Copyright 2011 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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