Dinwiddie Animal Swap and Farmers Market kicks off the season

DINWIDDIE - Locals hoping to add some furry and feathered pets to their family showed up at the Dinwiddie Animal Swap and Farmers Market held at the Tractor Supply Company on Saturday.

"Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this is the first one of our third season," shared host and founder Jessica Lowe of Dinwiddie. "We have a good turnout here today selling, swapping, or trading chickens, ducks, pigs, jewelry, farm fresh eggs, baked goods, turkeys, essential oils, produce, herbal teas, quails, and much more."

Over 15 vendors set up their wares and livestock for sale in the grassy area along Boydton Plank Road. Temperatures reached the 90s, and most everyone used canopies to protect themselves and their critters from the sun.

According to Lowe, their mission is to provide access to locally grown farm animals and produced products to create a sense of community, and their goal is to increase access to locally produced nourishing and safe foods for all to enjoy.

"My mom [Becky Woods] and I have participated in swaps together since I was 10...so I guess about 14 or 15 years now," said Tiffany Crowder of Dinwiddie. "We did it through the Dinwiddie 4-H."

The monthly event is designed to encourage, support and promote entrepreneurs' efforts of local growers and artisans seeking to sell products, produce and farm animals directly to consumers and the community.

"We aim to create an opportunity for people to meet, greet, eat, learn, and to share stories, recipes and knowledge in a place dedicated to the cultivation of local products, talents, and crafts," said Lowe.

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"We like to talk shop about farming and the artisan community," said vendor Carmen Kraus of Dinwiddie. "I sell soaps, salves, gemstones and jewelry."

"We strive to create an atmosphere that serves our community not only the market but contributes to our prosperous rural areas while promoting a great sense of community," said Lowe. "Our season goes into November, and I hope to see everyone."

Are new vendors welcome?

"We welcome new vendors," said Lowe. "Were still relatively small at this time, so there is no vendor fee."

The swap and market takes place on the second Saturday of the month from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. For more information, visit Dinwiddie Animal Swap and Farmers Market on Facebook or email DinwiddieSwapsTSC@gmail.com.

Kristi K. Higgins can be reached at khiggins@progress-index.com. On Twitter: @KristiHigginsPI

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Bunny cuddles, fluffy feathers, and a rooster riding piggyback - Progress Index