By Wesley P. Hester
Media General News Service

Finally, Powhatan County has a farmers market.

A pilot market was launched Thursday in the rural county’s historic Courthouse Village to test the waters for a full-time market in future years.

With about 600 visitors, the experiment seems to have been a success.

“It far exceeded our expectations,” said market manager Suzanne Cline. “I think we needed to see that the public was excited, and they showed us that.”

Powhatan Economic Development Director Sherry Swinson said the idea came from residents who wondered why the rural county lacked a market. In creating one, she said, the hope was to bring residents together in the heart of the county—the Courthouse Village.

Swinson added that a strategic plan for the village is being developed that’s focused on its future and preserving its past. The market—which will return Oct. 7 and Nov. 4—is named “Roundabout Thursday” in part for its location beside the village’s roundabout.

Local businessman Michael Potter offered the site to get things rolling.

“A friend of his suggested the name, noting that his granddaddy used to always respond to his grandmother’s ‘honey-do’ list by saying he’d get it done ‘‘round about Thursday,’” Swinson said.

Almost 30 vendors set up shop at the fledgling market Thursday after the ceremonial twine-cutting, offering everything from fresh veggies to local beef and pork to Virginia seafood and baked goods. Arts and crafts and flowers also were offered, as were live music and children’s activities.

“It’s very exciting,” said Jo Pendergraph, owner of Manakintowne Specialty Growers in Powhatan. “People it seems are clamoring for farmers markets, and Powhatan is no exception.”

Cline said she liked the chances there could be a full-time market next year.

“We’re very excited,” she said. “This really brought the community together and brought a lot of people to the village, and that’s the whole point.”