Looks like Sunday's forecast might be calling for rain. The parched ground and browning grass of Ben Brenman park will certainly rejoice if it does!  And here's another reason to celebrate:

To thank our most loyal customers for coming out in the rain, the West End Farmers Market will be instituting a Rainy Day Raffle!

To enter, you must go to the market and take a photo in the rain. Email the photo to info(at)westendfarmersmarket(dot)com on that day with the subject line "Rainy Day Raffle." Each photo counts as a separate entry. You may enter as many times as you want.*

The winner (our Rainy Day Warrior) will be announced on the West End Farmers Market blog the next day (Monday). The Rainy Day Warrior must return to the market on the following Sunday to claim the prize - a voucher** for $10 worth of goods or services from any vendor at the West End Farmers Market.

*Photos may be used for promotional purposes on the West End Farmers Market website, Facebook page, etc.
**Voucher must be used on the day it is given and can only be used one time (at one vendor) - with no remaining value after its use. Voucher is not valid for cash back.

Want to know what it's like on a farm? There are a few farms in Virginia that are less than 50 miles from from the West End Farmers Market where you can stay overnight.

• Creek Crossing Farm in Lincoln, Virginia
• Oakland Green Farm in Lincoln, Virginia
• WeatherLea Farm and Vineyard in Lovettsville, Virginia
  

When asked what they love most about the West End Farmers Market, their response was "The whole atmosphere is friendly!"

Also known as Neena's Boutique, they have been in business for 5 years and this is their 3rd year at the West End Farmers Market. Although most of their items are imported from India, some are sourced locally. Their most popular items are their designer shawls.

At present they do not offer any eco-friendly or organic materials but according to Neena, they have big plans for it. Be sure to ask them all about it on Sunday!

Renee Clement is famous at the West End Farmers Market for creating crystal clear, exquisitely colorful images and using them to embellish gift bags, cards, decorative objects and journals.  Renee has owned and operated her small business since 1995.  She includes her family members, friends and pets of family members and friends as her inspiration - and as her models.  Renee's note cards are perfect for birthdays, weddings, new babies, anniversaries, Halloween, Valentine’s Day and Easter.  Photos capture the four seasons, flowers, beach scenes, cats, dogs, travel scenes from around the United States, military themes and monuments from around Washington, D.C. 

So many possibilities! Here are some recipes to give you a little inspiration:

• Roasted Tomato and Basil Relish
  
• Basil Flatbread with Roasted Tomatoes and Basil Oil
  
• Heirloom Tomatoes with Bacon, Blue Cheese, and Basil
• Pasta with Roasted Vegetables, Tomatoes, and Basil
• Mozzarella "S'mores"
  
• Tomato, Basil and Ricotta Gelati