Richard's Fruit Market: Farming & Festivals

We took a trip over to Richard's Fruit Market (6410 Middle Road, Middletown) to chat with Eddie Richard & his daughter, Kayla Richard Lawrence about the fruit stand, farming, and some upcoming festivals. Richard's Fruit Market is the oldest "country classic" open-air farmers market conveniently located on the Richard's fifth generation family farm (est. 1878) in Frederick County, Virginia. They offer everything you need to enjoy a complete meal at home including beef, fruit, vegetables, freshly baked desserts, wine and even pick-your-own flowers for your table. We first chatted with Eddie about the farming business and all the uncontrollable factors that go into producing his peach and apple crops each year. We talked about raising livestock and the importance of knowing where your food comes from. Eddie told us about his relationships with customers who've been coming to the market since before he was born (63 years ago) and those who walk in the door for the very first time.   Kayla told us about her effort to make the market a "local only" spot for visitors to purchase artisan items, food stuffs from other local farmers, as well as local wine, beer & cider. She also gave us details for their upcoming Peach Festival on Sunday, August 21, 2022, from 11am - 4pm. The Peach Festival is a free, family-friendly event that features live music, kids activities (petting zoo, barrel train rides, bounce house) as well as farm-grown food and beer/wine tastings. For more information about Richard's Fruit Market, visit their website: https://richardsfruitmarket.com/ and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.