Within the blistering Virginia heat, a pavilion can be seen in the distance with tables full of friendly faces and goods for everyone to choose from. People of all ages carefully admire the merchandise precisely displayed in front of them. From tables screaming in color from fresh produce to the grainy brown tones of wooden home decor, Downtown Harrisonburg’s Farmers Market has a plethora of items for the entire community to enjoy.
Despite the different products each business has to offer, one of the main things that brings them together is the community of Harrisonburg.
Jennifer Wiatrowski, owner of Thistle Hill Pet Treats, creates endearing homemade goods for pets, such as homemade bandanas and treats for all pets to enjoy. Wiatrowski lived in Florida and didn’t start the business until moving to Harrisonburg. She explains how the Harrisonburg community has helped her business thrive.
“Being part of a community is very special. In Florida, we felt very isolated there, and moving here and being part of the Harrisonburg farmers market community has been wonderful. We’ve met so many people, and I have a lot of special dogs who visit every week,” Wiatrowski said.
Not only does the Farmer’s Market offer treats for pets and humans, but they offer art pieces as well. Deviant Kreations is a queer, trans, and neurodivergent-owned art shop, run by Dandy Knopf and their partner Phoenix Flaxman.
“Harrisonburg has been a really great place honestly, and it’s been very welcoming and accepting. And year after year we have returning clients and customers who have been here since the beginning.”
Knopf said they came to Harrisonburg to attend James Madison University, and stuck around after they graduated. Knopf and Flaxman continue to live in Harrisonburg because of how hospitable the town has been for them both.
Alongside Thistle Hill Pet Treats, Deviant Kreations was also established in Harrisonburg. Both Knopf and Wiatrowski like to consider Harrisonburg their home.
“This is where we started the business, and it has become our home, so it’s hard to picture ourselves leaving here,” Knopf said.
Harrisonburg also has a variety of produce to offer that starts to prosper once the season changes from cold winter to a warm spring. Among those that produce food like pastries and bread are being sold in a bundle at these markets.
Markets like Harrisonburg allow small businesses with a variety to sell and showcase their products to the community. This helps them expand their business and sell their products efficiently.
“We’ve been able to go to this market and Saturday’s market here, and then we’ve also, because of working here, other vendors have found out who we are,” employee of Life Bread Allison Wettestone said. “So now we’re making bread for the Hyatt and some of the vineyards, and we’ll sell the downtown city Co-op.”
After speaking with various small businesses, Harrisonburg is seen to be a tightly knit community, all working together, prioritizing everyone and their needs.
