Blue skies prevailed as Mount Vernon Supervisor Dan Storck rang the opening bell to start Lorton Farmers Market’s 2023 season at 9 a.m. on May 7. As vendors pitch their open-air tents and tend to setting up their displays, the ringing bell equates to unlocking the shop door, signaling that vendors may begin sales. Supervisor Storck took on the task of opening the market on this first day of the season which will fall to the Lorton market manager to start each Sunday’s market until the season close in November.

Caroline Hockenberry, Fairfax County Park Authority’s Farmers Market Coordinator, also was present to get the site’s market off to a smooth start. Hockenberry vets possible vendors and seeks to recruit businesses to provide new, interesting, and tasty options for market patrons. One such vendor, new to the Lorton market this year, is Beijo Snacks. Owner Nadja Nainon makes brigadeiro, a traditional Brazilian dessert. The name means “brigadier” in English, created by a confectioner in Rio de Janeiro to honor a Brazilian military figure. The classic variety is similar to a truffle, includes condensed milk and cocoa, but without a hard shell.