The Union County Farmers Market began its exciting 15th season with a grand opening celebration on May 3. For the month of May, the market will temporarily move to the student parking lot at Union County High School due to construction at Heritage Park. Visitors can look forward to beloved returning vendors, new additions and an array of fun activities and community programs.

Since 2011, the UC Farmers Market has been a gathering place for farmers, artisans and the community. The grand opening celebrated this tradition with a vibrant mix of offerings, including fresh spring vegetables, baked goods, eggs, jams, jellies and handmade items. Guests can enjoy family-friendly activities, sign up for the book club, participate in a plant and seed share for gardeners and join the Nourish Kids program. Shoppers can also take part in the Loyalty Program and an exciting raffle. The market will run every Saturday through September, promising a season full of local flavor and fun.

“This milestone season is truly special for us,” said Pat Hurley, board vice president. “Even with the temporary location, we’re confident this will be a year to remember, packed with fantastic vendors, programs and events that showcase the best of our community.”

Exciting programs
This season, shoppers will enjoy exciting programs and community partnerships designed to enrich their experience. The Loyalty Program, sponsored by Rural 1st, rewards frequent shoppers with incentives for supporting local vendors, fostering habits of purchasing nutritious food and shopping locally. Meanwhile, Caring Medical is sponsoring a raffle that gives attendees the chance to win prizes, adding an extra layer of excitement to the market.

In collaboration with Nourish Knoxville, two impactful initiatives will be offered: Nourish Kids provides children with $5 Nourish Kids Bucks to encourage healthy eating, and Double Up Food Bucks doubles SNAP benefits, making fresh and nutritious food accessible to low-income families.

New this year is a book club for adults and children. The adult club, meeting on the second Saturday each month, and the kids’ club, meeting on the third Saturday, will feature free coffee and food from local vendors, along with fun extras like bookmarks, stickers or a book exchange. Participants can sign up for these programs at the market.

Temporary location, same community spirit
While construction at Heritage Park continues, the high school parking lot will transform into a lively marketplace throughout May. “We’re so thankful to Union County High School and Maynardville Elementary School for their continued support over the years,” said Donna Riddle, board President. “We’re confident the upgrades to Heritage Park will be worth the wait.”

What to expect
Visitors can shop for a variety of fresh produce, meats, baked goods and unique handcrafted items. The season will also feature chef demonstrations using seasonal ingredients and community events, with details to come.
Join the Union County Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for local flavor and community fun. To learn more, become a vendor or volunteer, email UnionFMKT@gmail.com. Come celebrate this special milestone and support your local farmers and artisans!