The Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market opened its 2012 season Sunday in its recently refurbished spot in Four Mile Run Park.

The gravel lot where the market was held is now a freshly paved plaza next to the Four Mile Run Park Community Building. The building has been outfitted with a stage for performances and community events and the area should soon receive new trees and more amenities.

The new plaza allowed a larger space and new environment for the market. Instead of lining up in a small horseshoe, the vendors formed a straight line facing Mt. Vernon Avenue.  

“We think the upgrades to the park will make a dramatic improvement to the market we provide to our residents,” said market organizer Travis Hester.

Eight vendors made it out to the park on Sunday, including Four Mile Run Market debutant Baguette Republic.

To mark the first market of the season, market organizers raffled off two Washington Nationals tickets thanks to a donation from Jacob Cuomo, vice president of the Hume Springs Citizens Association.

The Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market runs Sundays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit its website and follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

For more information about the upgrades at the park, visit The Arlandrian.