To help celebrate National Farmers Market Week, York County is excited to once again host the Virginia Tourism Corporation's life-sized LOVE artwork - this time for the entire week leading up to the special August 8 extended market which runs 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The massive letters, which stretch 16 feet in length and stand more than six feet tall, are an extension of the "Virginia is for Lovers" brand...or in this case, "Virginia is for Farmers Market Lovers."
 
For the past 14 years, shoppers have come to depend on Yorktown Market Days for seasonal produce; meats and seafood; honey, jams, and sauces; baked goods; fresh juices and coffee; and more. Throughout the year, they also get the opportunity to try new varieties of produce such as Smooth Criminal Summer Squash from Allen's Farm, Moon and Stars Watermelons from Penn Farm, and Red Malabar Spinach from Terra Aqua Dynamics Microfarm. Shoppers can ask questions about how the products are grown and harvested and even ask for advice on the best ways to cook and incorporate them into their weekly meals.
 
The LOVE letters will be on display between Water Street Grille and the Freight Shed and open to the public for photo opportunities beginning August 1. During the week leading up to Yorktown's market, visitors are encouraged to take pictures with the letters and post to social media captioning with what they love most about the market, using #LOVEVA, #lovemymarket and #visityorktown. Winners will be chosen at random to receive farm baskets filled with fresh produce and other goods donated by market artists and vendors! Those drawing will take place during the market at 9 a.m. and the winners must collect their prize by the market closing at 12 p.m.
 
A friendly reminder for everyone shopping the market: Please refrain from picking up produce, products, and works of art unless you are positive you are purchasing what you have in your hands. We know it goes against instinct - especially at a farmers market where you like to lean on all your senses, including touch. Remember, this is for the safety of everyone and a way for each of us do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19. If you need help, we kindly ask that you wait your turn, remain an appropriate distance from the customer in front of you, and ask for it. In accordance with state guidelines, shoppers who come within six feet of a vendor or artist to make a transaction are required to pull their face masks over their noses and mouths. Again, this is to protect those around you. The same applies if you stop to interact closely with someone who is outside of your immediate family. If you are used to popping in and out of the market, please note that your trip may take longer than it used to under these new restrictions. It is likely you will have to wait in line, so just be sure to pack your patience!