The Chattanooga Market will reopen for the 2020 season the weekend of April 25 and 26. This will be the 20th season of the local farmers and artists market. Some returning vendors have been involved since the early days. Mike Hazelrig of Hazelrig Orchards is one of them. "We've enjoyed watching the Chattanooga Market grow over the past 19 years. And, our business has also grown with the help of the community and Market family. We always have repeat customers that we enjoy seeing who rely on us each week for their produce shopping," said Mr. Hazelrig.
Held typically just on Sundays (there are a few exceptions, opening weekend being one), the Market is a part of weekend life for locals who congregate to shop, socialize and eat. This year the event schedule is largely unchanged, but an addition of a Fall Food Truck Rally will excite food enthusiasts. Newer events like the non-profit, Reflection Riding's, "Wild for Nature" and Chattanooga Beard's "Chattanooga Beard Contest" are expected to grow in popularity. Since its inception, the Market has hosted several non-profits throughout the season to give back to the community and provide a platform for fundraising.
Organizers announce the newest Market sponsor, Lodge Cast Iron. “Lodge Cast Iron is thrilled to become the Chattanooga Market Presenting Stage Sponsor. The market is the perfect place to connect with the community, check in with your neighbors and make memories with your friends and family, all while shopping for a unique work of art or fresh, tasty vegetables to enjoy at home. Making memories is what we are all about, and that makes Lodge Cast Iron and the Chattanooga Market a perfect match, " says Adam Feltman, associate brand manager.
Returning sponsors are Springer Mountain Farms, Mountain View Auto Group, Tennessee Aquarium and First Horizon.
A full calendar of events can be found at ChattanoogaMarket.com.
In preparation for the season, the Market will hold an information session for farms, food trucks, artists and other makers interested in learning more about becoming a vendor.
Meeting Date: Saturday, March 7
Time: 10 a.m. - noon
Location: The Commons, 4950 Swinyar Dr., Collegedale, Tn.
The meeting is held at the newest facility for Public Markets—The Commons— in Collegedale. The purpose is to provide a thorough and informative session on how to apply, what to consider, rules and regulations and will include a question/answer period.
The actual vendor application process is online at PublicMarkets.us/apply. Upon approval to become a vendor, an applicant may attend any of the Public Markets: Chattanooga Market, Collegedale Market, River Market and Erlanger Market.
Potential and current vendors are asked to RSVP for the pre-season informational meeting online at PublicMarkets.us/apply. Walks-up are also accepted.
About the Market Managers for 2020:
Gib Jones: River Market, Erlanger Market, Collegedale Market
Gib has been with the Chattanooga Market for 8 years working in many facets of the organization. Folks may know Gib from his hydroponic lettuce farm days, Lee and Gordon Greens. During those years Gib and his mother came to sell their produce at Chattanooga Market, giving him that unique perspective. Now as a Market Manager, he has a thorough understanding of the needs of both farms and customers.
Tucker McLendon: Chattanooga Market, Chattanooga Holiday Market
Joining Public Markets in 2017, Tucker has had a hand in each of the Market processes from vendor application and approval to overseeing day-to-day operations. Tucker is also well known for his service on the Hamilton County School Board. His experience, good nature and relationships within the community make him a terrific Market Manager.