Farmers Market opens for the summer in Bridgeport, West Virginia

For their opening day, the market featured dozens of vendors selling food, plants, books, clothes and everything in between. There were also several food trucks present to sell people some hot food while they shopped. To top everything off, there was also live musical entertainment provided by local musician Greg Harrison.

Natalie Fox and Jill Rafter with the Bridgeport Public Library started attending the market last year, and they learned a lot about how much it means to the people that attend.

“I think community is a very important part of this, and the fact that all these small businesses can get together in one place and show their creativity is really fantastic. Last year was our first year here, and we really enjoyed it. Because we enjoyed it so much, we actually upgraded with a lot more things to offer people this year,” Fox said.

Jeff and Harper Randolph with HC Monroe Farms enjoy building relationships with members of the community by selling the plants they grow.

“We enjoy interacting with people and being able to grow our stuff here, sell it to local folks and make lasting friendships. We just always have a lot of fun, and we’re hoping for a really good opening day this year like the ones we’ve seen in the past. There’s always a ton of people who come out to support this,” Jeff said.

Along with food and plant vendors, the market also featured local author and director of the Allegro Dance Company, Anna Harsh, who discussed her new dance memoir about her study of Italian dances, “La Danza.”

“This is actually my first time participating in the market, and I’m really excited. I think this is a thing that brings people together so we can share our talents and goods and just enjoy each other’s company and show what we have to offer,” she said.

Steven and Emily Howe, who sold honey from their business “How Sweet It Is,” appreciate how the market is able to bring people together to support local businesses.

“One of the major things this does is allow farmers and small businesses to sell to the community and keep the local economy going,” Steven said.

Heather Leeson, owner of “The Bread Bowl,” has been attending the market for many years and always enjoys the amount of people who come and show support for local sellers.

“I’ve been at the market before, and the turnout is always really good. It’s great to see so many people support local businesses and bakeries like ours. It’s very important to the city,” she said.

The Bridgeport Farmers Market will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday during the summer season at the Marketplace Avenue in Charles Pointe.