Union County Farmers Market Kicks Off 15th Season on May 3
The Union County Farmers Market is set to begin its exciting 15th season with a grand opening celebration on Saturday, 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 its start in 2011, the Union County Farmers Market has been a gathering place for farmers, artisans, and the community. The May 3 grand opening will celebrate 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 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 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, which provides children with $5 Nourish Kids Bucks to encourage healthy eating, and Double Up Food Bucks, which doubles SNAP benefits, making fresh and nutritious food accessible to low-income families.

Additionally, this year introduces 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 grand opening on May 3.

Temporary Location, Same Community Spirit
While construction at Heritage Park continues, the Union County 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 May 3 for a day full of 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!