Washington, D.C., July 1, 2019 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farmers Market, located outside USDA Headquarters at 12th and Independence Ave., S.W., will be closed on Friday, July 5, in observance of Independence Day and will resume regular operations on Friday, July 12, with a special tribute to veterans.

“With the July 4th holiday falling the day before the market, we chose to close the market as many vendors requested that day off and we anticipate light customer crowds the day after the 4th of July evening events,” said Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Transportation and Marketing Acting Deputy Administrator Karla Whalen who oversees the Farmers Market. “We will return to our normal schedule on Friday, July 12, with special guests from the U.S. Army Band’s Country Roads and the Vietnam War Commemoration. The market is normally open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday from May through October.”

The market for July 12 will focus on honoring living Vietnam-era veterans with a recognition pin from the Vietnam War Commemoration. This includes Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of where they served, are eligible for the recognition pin. All veterans from this era and their families are encouraged to attend the celebration to receive information and materials from the Commemoration. In November 2018, USDA entered into a partnership with Commemoration and the Department of Defense.

“We are honored to play a role in recognizing these heroes and their families and we look forward to welcoming these special guests,” said Whalen.

The July 12 market also will feature the U.S. Sweet Potato Council in the VegU tent,the market’s popular fruit, and vegetable education program. The market offers an opportunity for more than 30 farmers, ranchers and small food businesses to sell their products directly to those who work, live and visit the Nation’s Capital. Shoppers can get produce, small farm raised meats, fresh-cut flowers, textile products, homemade bread, and local foods—from hot sauces to dog treats. Food businesses at the market use local ingredients sourced directly from farmers and ranchers in the region.

“Although the USDA farmers market will be closed, local farmers markets may be open. We encourage everyone to visit the national Farmers Market Directory at www.usdalocalfooddirectories.com to locate their community’s market,” said Whalen.

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