NBC29 WVIR Charlottesville, VA News, Sports and WeatherMadison Co. Woman Working Hard at Age 80

Madison Co. Woman Working Hard at Age 80

A Madison County woman has been selling produce along Route 29 for years. Her farm fresh goods have become a fixture in the community and even though she'll turn 81 this August she's showing no signs of slowing down. Customers including Martha Powers come from all over to stop at Dodson's Produce Stand.

"I just like the fact that it's fresh. It's out in the open. There's a lot of atmosphere around and it's very good fruit," Powers said.

Watermelon, peaches, corn, tomatoes and squash are a few of the staples for sale. Virginia Dodson has operated the stand for so long she can't even remember when she began selling produce.

"I don't know how long exactly. It's been a long time," Dodson said.

Six days a week, Dodson sets up her stand by herself and lifts heavy baskets of produce and places each fruit and veggie with care.

"I don't make that much money. I more so do it as a hobby," Dodson said.

She grows most of her own fruits and vegetables on her property and buys at auction what's not in season. Dodson said the work keeps her mind sharp.

"It keeps me busy and you get to meet such nice people and everybody is so nice." Dodson said.

Dodson's produce stand is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. everyday except most Wednesdays.

The stand is located on the southbound side of Rt. 29 near Plow and Hearth Catalog Outlet.