Farmers Markets have always been a cornerstone of our Appalachian culture, featuring fresh and locally grown fruits and veggies. For generations, they have provided an opportunity to meet the local farmers, visit with neighbors, and learn new crafts. Not much has changed since then. Farmers markets, today, still offer a variety of the freshest, seasonal fruits and veggies, baked goods, and artisanal foods. They still provide an opportunity to get to know your local farmers, sample new food items and offer up a visual feast of multi-colored produce.
Many of our local tailgate markets are reaching out to future generations by offering activities for the kids. In addition to the typical farmer’s market fare, the Waynesville Tailgate Market in Haywood County offers a Kid’s Corner Market. The Kid’s Corner Market gives children the chance to meet local farmers, learn about food and pick up kid-friendly recipes. Once a month, the Kid’s Corner Market will present an educational activity featuring a seasonal produce item. Kids who attend the market day will receive a stamp on their “Kids Passport” which lists the dates and activities in which the child participated. The next Kid’s Corner Market event, Watermelon Day, will take place on August 16th from 10 a.m. – Noon. The market is located in the parking lot of HART Theater and the Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts at 250Pigeon Street (276S) in Waynesville, NC. For more information, email haywoodfarmersmarket@gmail.com or, call Elizabeth Ure, Market Manager, at (828)550-4554.
The Transylvania Farmers Market, located at the corner of Johnson & Jordan Streets in Brevard, offers weekly kids events including hula hooping, face painting, live music and dancing, healthy eating samples, kids fresh lemonade stands, and much more. The market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. – Noon. The whole family will enjoy participating in this amazing community event!