Celebrating 10 Years of Long Family Markets – July 2025

July 1 marks a milestone we’re incredibly proud to share: 10 years of Long Family Markets. What began as a small community market has blossomed into a regional platform supporting over 100 local farmers, food makers, and artisan entrepreneurs in Stafford and Woodbridge, Virginia.

From the very beginning, our mission has been simple but powerful: to cultivate community by helping microbusiness owners connect directly with the people who value their work. That mission still guides us every single day.

The Roots: Stafford Sundays

We always pause to give credit to the originator of the North Stafford Farmers Market, Miss Vanessa Griffin. Vanessa’s vision of improving access to fresh local food by supporting microbusiness owners opened the market in Stafford with just a few tents and a whole lot of hope. When we took over the market on July 1, 2015, we set out to honor her vision of a thriving local food hub, and we still do our best to honor it today.

Week by week, our community of participating businesses and customers grew. And with it, so did our belief that something special was happening. What started as a weekend market has become a Sunday tradition for so many families who now make Long Family Markets part of their weekly rhythm.

Branching Out

After establishing deep roots in Stafford, we began expanding to meet the needs of new communities. In June 2025, a collaboration with Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center allowed us to reach even more families in eastern Prince William County with our Thursday market in Woodbridge.

The Heartbeat: Micro Makers

We are proud to provide a space where local dreams take shape. Whether it’s a farmer bringing their very first harvest to market, a home baker selling bread fresh from the oven, or a new business owner testing a product for the first time, Long Family Markets is where it all begins. We don’t just offer tent space. We offer mentorship, visibility, and a connection with community.

Our Gratitude

To every business owner who took a chance, to every customer who chose to shop micro, and to every volunteer, partner, and supporter who has helped us grow: thank you.

We are so fortunate to be part of something bigger than ourselves: a true community movement rooted in values that matter, including connection, sustainability, and empowerment.

As we look to the next 10 years, we’re more committed than ever to supporting local businesses, fostering community pride, and making farmers markets more accessible and meaningful.

See you at the market!