The first official day of the 2026 Union County Farmers Market on May 2 was a huge success! Many veteran Farmers Market vendors who have been attending every market for years were there, as were several vendors participating for the first time. This was the largest first-day crowd in the Market’s history, and several vendors had people in line waiting to check out.

Marketgoers were greeted by Tanya Leehans of Magnolia Mountain and her friend. They were making delicious pancakes with a variety of toppings (chocolate chips, bananas, or strawberries) to choose from. Tiny, yummy muffins were available. All free, and a wonderful start to the Market experience.

The Little House on the Northside had some of their homemade sourdough crackers, delicious raspberry, peach, and blackberry jams, and farm-fresh eggs. There was a selection of handmade decorative and birthday candles made of beeswax as well, perfect for the home or as a gift.

The UCHS Horticulture class was in evidence with a variety of plants for sale. They had an assortment of tomatoes, peppers, and squash plants as well as some ornamentals for sale for very reasonable prices. Trenton Dyer participated in 4H in elementary school and has taken all the UCHS Horticulture classes. His family has always had a garden. Aliceson Henderson initially grew up with a garden, horses, goats, and donkeys, and is interested in greenhouses and landscaping. Both students were happy to talk about their plantings and share information about growing. Plants will be on sale until they run out or until the end of school on May 20.

Fantasy, whimsy, and fidgets can be found at BLarge 3D Printing. There are many different shapes and styles of fidgets. Fidgets are used to improve focus, reduce stress, and help manage anxiety for many people. My favorite of all their 3D creations is the dragons.

Anyone who has driven down Ailor Gap Road is familiar with Dan Woodcock and family’s Ailor Gap Farm stand. You can stop by and purchase plants, vegetables, yard eggs, pickles, chow-chow, and more. And they were at the Market's Opening Day, with a good selection of their produce.

The Farmers Market is off to an outstanding start! Be sure to stop by on Durham Rd, Maynardville, every Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.