Farmers’ markets provide direct, face-to-face transactions between local agricultural producers and consumers. They provide a designated space for farmers to sell fresh, seasonal food directly to the public, cutting out middlemen to benefit both the local economy and the community.

Ahbrian Bailey began his Cotton Candy business 2 years ago! Unlike the sticky-sweet stuff of county fairs, Ahbrian’s product is organic and dye-free. A large portion of the processed white sugar we eat is actually made from sugar beets, not sugar cane. Rather than using processed sugars, he sweetens his cotton candy with coarse, organic, non-GMO cane sugar. Flavor comes from Life Savers. A 7-year-old entrepreneur! His brother, Aedan, is the family's flavor tester. His sensitive taste buds help to guide the chef (their mom, Helina) when she cans or bakes. He is not shy about saying “too sweet” or “not enough salt”. Helina’s specialty is canned goods, and she likes to use wholesome, simple ingredients. She has quite a variety of offerings, including candied jalapeños, spicy dill carrots, and her home-recipe salsa. Rather than sell pies, she uses her recipes to can the ingredients for Strawberry-Rhubarb, Blueberry Delight, and other fillings so you can make the pie yourself by just putting it in a crust. Easy-peasy. In season, they have fresh vegetables. And this family is the Walnut Hill Homestead in New Tazewell, a 5th-generation farming family.

Their near neighbors are the Thompson Farm, a 150-acre Heritage Farm in New Tazewell. Helina had some of their beautiful veggies and fresh eggs for sale as well. Andy Holt, TN Agriculture Commissioner, has said that “Agriculture is Tennessee’s top industry, and these (Heritage Farms) tell the story of that success through generations of hard work, stewardship, and commitment to the land.”

Historical health epidemics, isolated communities, and limited access to comprehensive prenatal care have caused a large population (around 7500 adults and children) of deaf and hard-of-hearing people in Jamaica. The Caribbean Christian Center for the Deaf (CCCD) exists to reach, teach, and nurture the Deaf of Jamaica. And the Jamaica Deaf Village (JDV) is a place where Deaf people can live, work, and grow. They operate three residential schools located across the island (Kingston, Knockpatrick, and Montego Bay) as well as a centrally located Jamaica Deaf Village (Mandeville), which serves adult Deaf and their children. Sabrina Miller was at the Market, with her daughter Payton and son Caleb, raising funds for the Jamaican Deaf community by selling bracelets and keepsakes creatively made with tiny rubber bands. Sabrina and Payton have made missionary trips to Jamaica before, and Caleb will be joining them on the next one. If you would like to know more about the deaf community in Jamaica, or assist in supporting the project, please go to www.CCCDJamaica.org

For all of you cheesecake lovers out there, Rustic Ridge Cheesecake was at this market with three of their fresh, creamy, homemade cheesecakes available. Allison Brummitt, ably assisted by her daughter, Luci, had delicious Turtle, Key Lime, and Lemon Blueberry pieces for sale. Allison loves making cheesecake and has been creating them for over 10 years. She sells by the slice, but she can do special orders for whole cakes. Just go to her Facebook page, contact her at rusticridgecheesecakes@gmail.com, or call (865) 824-7331.

Market Chef of the day was UT-TSU Extension Office’s Family and Consumer Science Agent, Abigail Thomas. Abigail demonstrated and served refreshing Fruit Smoothies – a simple, delicious, and nutritious way to enjoy a healthy snack or breakfast. The Fruit Smoothie handout had suggestions for various fruits and bases for making the perfect smoothie. Smoothies are quick and easy to prepare, customizable, and packed with nutrients for the whole family.

The Family and Consumer Sciences Department at the Union County Extension Office offers a wide variety of educational programs focusing on food and nutrition, community health, consumer economics, and human development. Anyone in the community interested in learning safe food preservation methods, including water bath and pressure canning, is encouraged to contact the Union County Extension Office at 865-992-8038 to learn about upcoming summer classes and other educational opportunities.

For over fifteen years, the Union County Farmers Market has offered fresh produce and homemade foods, showcased artisan goods, and invested in the next generation of young farmers. Come take a look at all they have to offer and experience the market “where our community meets” on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm.