If attendance at the Union County Farmers Market Vendor Meeting and Chili Cookoff was any indication, the 2026 Farmers Market will be better than ever. Over 50 vendors were in attendance, many had previously participated, but several were new. Seven pots of delicious chili were in competition. Jodie Moore took first place for the best-ever chili. Running a close second and third were Dave Trandum and Bobby Nelson.

Market Manager Debbie Sylvia-Gardner is excited about the upcoming season and the variety of top-quality vendors. “Our vendors are the backbone of our market family,” she said, “and supporting local farms and businesses is as important now as ever.”

Local fresh produce, meat, baked treats, and homemade craft goods will be available every Saturday, from May 2 through October 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Farmers Market Pavilion at 115 Durham Dr. in Maynardville.

Market Vice-President Pat Hurley gave an overview of the market’s initial startup in the high school parking lot and where it is today. He mentioned the market is a nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers. In the 2025 season, it hosted over 60 vendors and typically attracted 200-400 visitors per market day―over 7,500 visitors per year. The market expands access to locally grown food for everyone and participates in the SNAP/EBT program. It has become one of Union County’s most active community destinations.

The area now known as Heritage Park includes the Farmers Market Pavilion, the Performing Arts Stage, the Music Wall of Fame and the Heritage Culinary Center. The culinary center is a 3,400 sq. ft. shared-use kitchen for food entrepreneurs and culinary education. It includes a teaching kitchen for instruction and demonstrations. The culinary center is operated by the farmers market.

Mark your calendar for the first day of the 2026 Union County Farmers Market on Saturday, May 2.