Relocated Farmers Market In Ashburn Experiences Parking Challenge

ASHBURN, VA — While EatLoco Farmers Markets was able to find a new location for its massive One Loudoun Farmers Market, the new location hasn't come without parking challenges.

The One Loudoun Market along Atwater Drive had permanently relocated to the Christian Fellowship Church at 44505 Atwater Drive, Ashburn, VA as of Saturday, March 9. The farmers market has since been renamed the Ashbrook Market and remains open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

During the second week of the new location, the two church parking lots reserved for farmers market customers filled up quickly, said EatLoco Farmers Markets founder and CEO Dan Hine in a social media update. While the farmers market organizers estimated parking would be available as customers come and go, they quickly learned it was not enough parking. Parking was tight even with vendors parking off site.

"We're actively exploring overflow parking options and expect to have some solutions very soon," Hine wrote.

The former One Loudoun farmers market location provided the farmers market with ample parking. However, Hine said One Loudoun had directed the farmers market in February to reduce vendors from 130 to 50. Hine said that was "non negotiable."

"As a result, over 80 of our local businesses would be immediately displaced, with nowhere to showcase their products," Hine shared. "This meant that more than 80 vendors would instantly lose one of their primary sources of income for their family. Moreover, it's highly likely that customers, such as yourselves, would stop attending such a significantly smaller market."

To choose the new farmers market location, the criteria was a location in eastern Loudoun County, room for 130 vendors, sufficient parking, year-round availability and safety for customers and vendors.

The farmers market founder asked customers for patience as they find solutions to the parking limitations. Anyone with ideas or contacts for businesses that could offer farmers market parking can contact Hine at [email protected].

EatLoco Farmers Markets is also relocating its Brambleton Market will relocate to the Barn at Brambleton, 24439 Evergreen Mills Road, Ashburn, VA as of Saturday, April 6. Hine acknowledged customers' concern that the new location is in a less walkable location. The Brambleton Market is held Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.