With just three indoor winter markets left for the 2017-18 season, Bridgeport Farmers Market looks forward to opening its 10^th summer season May 20.

 

But in the meantime, there is plenty to look forward to, including a particularly sweet event this Sunday. The BFM Valentine Market is a one-stop shop for holiday-themed sweets, dinner fixings and unique gifts, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

 

“We have a special Sunday brunch and we’re encouraging people to bring their sweethearts,” said BFM Board Member Debbie Workman.

 

In addition to a menu featuring chicken and spinach strata, biscuits, gravy, pepperoni fried potatoes, chicken and waffles, fresh fruit parfait and fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, there will also be mimosas and access to the market’s Bloody Mary bar.

 

To live music by Hillary K, market shoppers can browse the wares of 20 West Virginia-based vendors, who carry everything from farm-raised meats, farm-fresh eggs, root vegetables, home-baked sweets and hand-made items, just perfect for Valentine’s Day gift giving.

 

“The Pretty Pickle has some pretty botanical jewelry and House on the Hill Soap Co. has some special bath bombs,” Workman said.

The bombs are all natural and feature scents including lavender shea and oatmeal rose.

 

Heart-shaped pies by Magpies and Valentine-themed confections by My Little Cupcake will also be available for purchase.

 

“Our other baker is This & That Bakery and they do a wide range of baked goods, including cookies and biscotti,” Workman said.

 

Other unique vendor offerings include coffee by Quantum Bean, dry seasoning mix and West Virginia maple syrup, jams and jellies.

 

Also on hand will be local poets, Bards of Yellow Wood, AKA Brian Elliott and Daniel Summers.

 

“Wouldn’t it be fun to get a special poem written for your Valentine?” asked Workman. For a novelty price – or the donation of a used or new book – a personalized love poem can be written on the spot, she said. Books and financial donations will benefit a Monongalia County high school library.

 

Local novelist, Joshua Robinson, will also be at Sunday’s market to sell and autograph his latest book, “Time Binge,” and a representative of Riversong Spa will teach a free “rise and shine” community yoga class.

 

There will also be potatoes and other root vegetables, as well as a renewed supply of farm-fresh eggs.

 

“At the last market, we had a shortage of eggs, but from my understanding there will be more eggs available at this market so we encourage people to come out early for their farm-fresh eggs,” Workman said.

 

The market will be open 11 a.m. through 2 p.m. inside Bridgeport Conference Center. The two remaining indoor markets will be held Sundays March 11 and April 8 followed by the May 20 debut of the spring season. Taking place weekly on Sundays, the outdoor markets be held in Charles Pointe, but on the grounds of the new Bridgeport Visitors’ Center, home of the Greater Bridgeport Convention & Visitors Bureau and Connect-Bridgeport.

 

Looking ahead, the market’s Wild & Wonderful Table event will be held Sept. 29. The Harrison County location has not yet been disclosed. Tickets will go on sale in June, Workman said.