Subject:
Title
Request approval of memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna and Town of Vienna for use of the Vienna Community Center parking lot for the 2026 Vienna Farmers Market
Body
DATE(S) OF PRIOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE: None
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
Since 2018, the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna has hosted the Vienna Farmers Market in the Vienna Community Center parking lot. The market, held on Saturday mornings from May through October, is a weekly destination for residents to access fresh, nutritious food at an open-air market. The Farmers Market supports healthy communities and promotes sustainability.
Each year an MOU is required between the Town and Optimist Club of Greater Vienna to define roles and expectations of each organization with the Farmers Market.
One item has been added to this year’s MOU and is highlighted in yellow (Attachment #2). In mid-summer 2025, the Optimists requested permission to conduct wine tastings at the Farmers Market. No alcoholic beverages will be available for direct sale or immediate consumption at the Market. While vendors may take orders during the event, all alcohol purchases must be completed and retrieved only at the vendor’s properly licensed business location. This request was internally approved by the Town in 2025 and has now been incorporated into this MOU.
11. The Optimists shall operate the Farmers Market in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Virginia, including, but not limited to, the guidelines and requirements of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (“Virginia ABC”) governing beer and wine tastings. Alcoholic beverages shall not be sold for on-site purchase or off-site consumption at the Farmers Market. Vendors may accept orders at the Farmers Market; however, all purchased alcoholic beverages must be fulfilled and picked up exclusively at the vendor’s duly licensed place of business in accordance with Virginia ABC regulations. The Optimists shall be solely responsible for obtaining, maintaining, and complying with all required Virginia ABC licenses and approvals necessary to conduct such tastings.
The Parks and Recreation Department is committed to helping make the Vienna Farmers Market a success and a key feature in what makes Vienna a special place to live.
Next Steps: Mayor to execute the MOU
Expected Completion Time Frame: Completion of the season - Oct. 31, 2026
Strategic Plan Initiative: Vienna is a complete community.
Board or Commission of Interest: N/A
Departmental Recommendation: The parks and recreation director recommends approving the MOU between the Town of Vienna and the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna.
Finance Recommendation:
Purchasing Recommendation:
Town Attorney Recommendation: The Town Council may approve the proposed Memorandum of Understanding in its discretion.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council authorize the Mayor to execute an MOU between the Town and Optimist Club of Greater Vienna for the 2026 Vienna Farmers Market, as presented.
Cost and Financing: N/A
Account Number: N/A
Prior Funding Approval: Annual General Budget (Year), Amendments, CIP Budget (Year), or ARPA. N/A
Decision Needed by This date: March 2, 2026
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
"I move to authorize the mayor to execute an MOU between the Town and Optimist Club of Greater Vienna for the 2026 Vienna Farmers Market."
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.