The Main St Farmers Market, Chattanooga's sustainably focused and producer direct market, will return to its regular two-hour market next Wednesday. The market operates year round, but in the winter opens for one hour only.
Holly Martin, manager of the Main St. Farmers Market says,"When the time changes back is typically when the market is eager to spring forward as well. The vendors and customers are both ready for the spring and the abundance of the seasons to come. We are looking forward to a fantastic 2019 market season."
Main St. Farmers Market was founded in 2009 as a way for local farmers to directly sell their products in the Chattanooga community. Sustainable growing practices have always been a primary focus of the market and each item is produced by the vendor by directly growing or raising it, or crafted by local food artisans.
Heather Cross, president of Main St Farmers Market says, "Our market is very focused on local food products that you can buy directly from the person that produced it. This interaction is an important one and a reason our market has cultivated the close relationships between customers and vendors over the last 10 years. It's a true community experience. Each farm or food business is inspected and vetted by our board of directors for their commitment to local, sustainable and producer direct products. The majority of our board is made up of vendors from the market, so we are a unique 'farmer-run' farmers market."
Recently, Main St Farmers Market was recognized by Taste of the South Magazine as one of the top ten farmer's markets in the south to visit. The upcoming spring kick-off event for the market will be on May 1 from 4-6 p.m. in the Finley Stadium parking lot on the corner of Chestnut and Main Streets. "This event will feature special vendors, live music and wonderful prepared food in addition to Main St.'s weekly lineup of top quality vendors," organizers said.