The Oak Ridge Farmers Market opens for the season in Jackson Square on Saturday, April 15.
The Farmers Market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. It will be open from 3 p.m. to sellout on Wednesday starting June 7.
The farmers markets are operated by the East Tennessee Farmers Association for Retail Marketing, or FARM. FARM celebrated its 40th anniversary last fall.
According to FARM history, two law students from the University of Tennessee and Vanderbilt University organized Food Fairs in 1976 that would bring farmers together to eventually create the Farmers Association for Retail Marketing.
“The primary objectives of the project were to increase income for family farmers in Tennessee by providing new markets and to get fresh, homegrown produce to urban consumers at fair prices,” the FARM history said.
Also opening are the first Lakeshore Park Farmers Market on Friday, April 14, and the Ebenezer Road Farmers Market on Tuesday, April 18, in the parking lot of Ebenezer United Methodist Church.
“Need Easter eggs? We’ve got them, fresh from the farm. Plus, a rainbow of spring flowers for your dinner table,” FARM said.
“There is no middleman when you shop the FARM Markets, and your food never travels from outside East Tennessee,” the association said. “Instead, you can meet your local farmers and ask them how they grew your food.
“If you demand the freshest ingredients, this is the place to find them.
“Don’t cook much? We provide fresh, whole foods like lettuce for easy spring salads, plus our members bake artisan breads, so we can provide you the convenience you want.
“Have discerning taste in home goods? Our artisans work with premium animal fibers, beeswax for clean burning candles, and naturally scented soaps.”
Here are the opening markets:
- Friday, April 14, from 3-6 p.m. at Lakeshore Park Farmers Market, 5908 Lyons View Pike in Knoxville
- Saturday, April 15, from 8 a.m.-noon at Oak Ridge Farmers Market, Jackson Square
- Tuesday, April 18, from 3-6 p.m. at Ebenezer Road Farmers Market, 1001 Ebenezer Road in Knoxville
You can see a sampling of the fresh products headed to market at https://easttnfarmmarkets.wordpress.com/. You can follow the markets all season at www.easttnfarmmarkets.org.
For more information, contact [email protected] or call (865) 680-1037.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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