by Mike Conroy

This weekend, Village residents, families, friends and neighbors can enjoy plenty of activities and family fun without leaving their own backyard! On tap is the opening of the Montgomery Village Farmers’ Market and the beginning of the Summers at South Valley Park Sunday concert series, not to mention continued fun at MVF-owned pools!

Farmers’ Market
Be sure to get in line before 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 4 for the opening of the sixth season of the MV Farmers’ Market. Fresh quality produce and local farm and specialty items will be available again each Saturday all season, through October 29.
Make an early appearance to hear Montgomery Village Foundation President Pete Young’s opening announcement, as well as hearing classic farm tunes performed by the Montgomery Village Community Band. If that isn’t enough, market visitors can claim a free limited edition 50th Anniversary Farmers’ Market grocery bag (limited quantities available).

The farmers’ market will feature local vendors ranging from produce to chocolate and everything in between, as well as special brewery and winery dates. Visit returning vendors Valencia’s Produce, Pleitez Produce, Fetters Fruit Farm, The JK Farm, Rights of Man Farm, Barley Field Orchard, Canela Bakery, The Crêpe Shoppe (formerly Holy Crêpes Food Truck), Killdeer Valley Cookies, Carolina Squeeze, Allen’s Apiary, Bushdogs, Master Freeman’s, Only Nuts, Elk Run Vineyards and Great Shoals Winery. New vendors this season include: Sugar and Salt, Brewing Good Coffee Company, Ecoblossoms Farm, Hidden Ridge Farm and Herbs, Midsommar Farm, LLC, Mom’s Beauty Secrets, Tierra Blooms, Romano Winery, Denizens Brewing Co., Mully’s Brewery and Ocean City Brewing Co.

The Montgomery Village Farmers’ Market is located at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 9801 Centerway Road. For more information, visit www.mvfarmersmarket.com.

Summers at South Valley Park
Use your fresh produce and specialty items to make a unique picnic dinner and head down to South Valley Park for the Summers at South Valley Park kickoff concert at 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 5. Bring your dinner, a beverage and a blanket or chairs and enjoy the musical stylings of the Montgomery Village Community Band (MVCB).

To commemorate Montgomery Village’s 50th Anniversary, the MVCB will be performing musical selections from the past 50 years, in a concert titled “Through the Decades.” Get comfortable on the lawn while listening to a new set from our hometown band. Patrons will find it even more comfortable with the limited edition 50th Anniversary Seat Cushion giveaway!

For more family fun this summer, enjoy a wide variety of concerts, an outdoor movie and Art in the Park. Art in the Park is scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 26 and will feature art and artists of all types including musical and dance performances. For the full Summers at South Valley Park schedule, visit www.montgomeryvillage.com.

Pool fun
In between your visit to the farmers’ market and the MVCB concert, spend some down time at one of MVF’s pools. Enjoy time relaxing in the sun, splashing or swimming in the pool or catching up with friends poolside. Check the full pool schedule online at www.
montgomeryvillage.com for the hours of each pool.

While you’re there, get in a little exercise and participate in the 50th Anniversary Swim Challenge. Swim or walk a total 50km in Village pools throughout the season and receive a limited edition 50th Anniversary beach towel. Participants must use all seven MVF pools at least once and need to have laps logged by the pool manager before leaving. See the pool manager at any pool for a log book and details.

No matter what you’re up to this weekend, there’s plenty to do to relax right here in your own backyard. See you around the Village this weekend!