Comment
Print
For the 40th year, fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade crafts, fresh cut flower arrangements and more will once again be available from local farmers who set up shop at the Farmers Market of Rutherford County.
The market is set to open Saturday at 8 a.m. It will operate each Saturday and on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to noon; afternoon and evening hours from 2 to 7 p.m. will be added in mid-May, said Rutherford County Farmers Market Manager Brenda Watson.
“At the market, you will find a wide variety of fresh, locally grown foods, as well as handcrafted items for you, your home or a gift,” Watson said. “We have a great line up of activities for this year which includes music, craft, cooking and gardening demonstrations, children’s activities, food sampling and Christmas in July. It’s a great place for people to come, gather with friends and family and relax.”
The market is located at 172 Depot St. in Forest City, across from the Florence Mill site. The market moved to this location, Watson said, in 2014. Previously the market has had locations on Fairground Road in Spindale and across from White Oak Plaza on 74 Bypass.
“We started in April 2014 with 15 vendors and grew to over 50 vendors on Saturdays during the height of the growing season,” Watson said. “Many people come each week to check out what their favorite vendor has brought to market this week, and people start arriving as early as 6:15 when farmers start setting up for the day.”
Vendors and customers have developed special bonds, Watson said, which is important. “With the market being centrally located in the county, it is easy to access from Main Street or Oak Street Extension. We have ample parking, handicapped accessible bathroom facilities, wide aisles and benches, so that customers can come visit with friends, listen to music and just enjoy themselves in an outdoor setting.”
Shoppers may pay each vendor in cash, and some will be accepting credit and/or debit cards, Watson explained. During a specified period of time during the summer, numerous vendors are certified to accept SNAP and WIC vouchers, and the market is also exploring the possibility of adding an EBT system.
This year the market will not only feature the outdoor market, but also an indoor market.
“We will be reopening the indoor market that was open during the Christmas holidays in the former Lane’s Hog Heaven building,” Watson said.
Plans for the indoor market are being finalized, she continued, but it is scheduled to open on April 24, the night before the outdoor market’s season opening.
Vendor applications are still being taken. A seasonal booth (April through November) is $50 for the year; a one-day only booth is $5 per day. Those interested in booth space can contact the market manager at 828-287-6080 or go by the Cooperative Extension office at 198 Callahan-Koon Road.
