Snow, Sleet and Rain Don't Deter Shoppers and Dancers

The Reston Farmers Market closed out its 2011 season on Saturday.

It did so amidst some of the worst October weather in history—snow, sleet and rain alternated constantly with temperatures in the mid 30s.

Most of the farmer-vendors showed up and were rewarded by a turnout of a few hundred truly dedicated customers.  The shoppers came out in the miserable conditions to stock up on the fresh greens, squashes, apples, pears, cheeses, meats, baked goodies and even ice cream that you can only find at local producers’ market like the Reston Farmers Market.

The vendors and hardy customers not only were rewarded by the hot chocolate, coffee and baked goods served by the Market Masters and two special volunteers but also by the performance of Thriller by Reston’s  Gotta Swing Dancers.

While the dancers had been scheduled to perform, no one really expected them to be able to do so in the beyond dismal weather.  But, perform they did--in full zombie regalia, accompanied by the music coming from speakers powered by electricity coming through extension cords pelted by snow and rainwater.  The   shoppers and vendors present were thrilled, cheering and Gotta Swing a lengthy ovation as they concluded Thriller in a driving sleet.

While the Reston Farmers Market season is officially closed for 2011, several of the farmer-vendors will return to Lake Anne in association with the Lake Anne Crafts Market on Saturdays from Nov. 5 to Dec. 3. 

The Farmers Market will begin its 2012 season in early May.