The first Great American Farmers Market hosted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) opened Sunday and runs through Friday, August 8.
Each day has a different theme and a variety of special guests and musicians.
Sunday’s Headliner: Big & Rich
Agriculture and farming run through the lifeblood of Big Kenny’s family as he was the seventh-generation raised on a Culpepper, Va. farm, according to Sec. Rollins’ introduction for the band.
As a solo project while the duo was on hiatus, he released the album The Quiet Times of a Rock and Roll Farm Boy. The CD featured “plantable” packaging with wildflower seeds. This photographer tried growing the flowers, but he did not have a green thumb.
John Rich hails from Amarillo, Texas and is also one of the writers (in addition to Big Kenny and others) behind the hit “Amarillo Sky,” popularized by Jason Aldean. The track reached #4 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs in early 2007.
Sights from the Market
Representatives from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (look for the Kentucky Proud booth) were drawing for gift baskets. The centerpiece item is a bottle of Orange Cream Ale-8-One, made in Winchester, Ky. Any of the Ale-8-One sodas gets two thumbs up from this photographer who hails from the Bluegrass State.
This Fendt tractor was well lit by the sunset during Sunday’s golden hour when clouds were minimal.
Vendor tents visible around the rectangular turf at the Great American Farmers Market.
Getting there
Access is very easy as the market’s is setup around the mall near Smithsonian Metro. Use the north exit of the Metro station and turn left at the top of the escalators. The main stage is in front of USDA’s headquarters.
More information on this week’s activities is available at https://www.usda.gov/gafm.
