West Virginia Vendors Hold Annual Winter Blues Farmers Market

Over 130 local vendors participate in the 17th annual event, providing a midwinter boost for farmers and small businesses.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:39am

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The Charleston Convention Center was packed on Saturday for the 17th annual Winter Blues Farmers Market, featuring over 130 West Virginia vendors, many of them members of the West Virginia Grown Program. Organizers said the event provides a much-needed midwinter boost for farmers and small agribusinesses during a typically slow season, while also giving them a chance to connect directly with customers and plan for the upcoming growing season.

Why it matters

The Winter Blues Farmers Market is an important event that supports local agriculture and small businesses in West Virginia. It helps sustain farmers and food producers during the off-season and fosters connections between producers and the community.

The details

The annual Winter Blues Farmers Market is held in partnership with the Small Farms Conference and WVU Extension. In addition to providing a sales opportunity for over 130 vendors, the event also brings the community together and gives a boost to downtown Charleston.

  • The 17th annual Winter Blues Farmers Market was held on Saturday, March 1, 2026.

The players

Kent Leonhardt

West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture.

West Virginia Grown Program

A program that supports and promotes West Virginia-grown agricultural products.

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What they’re saying

“This is a slow time, usually on the farms and a lot of the food industry, industries within the state. So, this gives them that midwinter boost for their incomes. But, it also gives them a chance to talk to the people, find out what the people want, what kind of products they want, so they can start planning for their growing season.”

— Kent Leonhardt, West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture

The takeaway

The Winter Blues Farmers Market is a vital event that sustains West Virginia's local agriculture and small business community during the off-season, while also fostering connections between producers and the public.