The Athens Farmers Market begins its 12th season Saturday. In addition to an array of fresh produce, Market Manager Sarah Thurman says there is something for everyone at the Market.
“We’re going to have about 46 vendors there this weekend and I think we’ll be able to supply just about anything you might want to buy. We’ve got handmade pastries, high-quality coffee, beautify flowers, the best biscuits in the south, might I argue. We’re going to see some new vendors, soap vendors potters, jewelry, jams, jellies.”
Thurman says the produce provided must meet certain criteria.
“The Athens Farmer Market is the premiere source for high-quality organically grown produce,” according to Thurman. “Every vendor in the market is growing either USDA certified organic, or certified naturally grown which is a nonprofit version of the federal designation. So all the food is of the highest quality, all the vendors selling have grown it themselves and they’re all growing locally.”
Attendees can also take in a cooking class.
“Our market chef, Landon Bubb is going to be doing cooking demos every week this year.”
Athens Farmer Market starts it’s 39-week run Saturday from 8 am until noon at Bishop park. In addition, there is a downtown Wednesday market that starts April 3rd and runs until the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Thurman says patrons can collect tokens to be used at the market when they purchase beer at Creature Comforts.