The DeKalb County Farmers Market has seen a decline in participation over the past few years, but a new advisory board and a few new rule changes hope to revitalize the market, making it easier for local residents to participate.
The market is in operation again this year through October, on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. until 12 noon, and is located on East Bryant Street between DeKalb Ace Hardware and the county complex building. The market is a place where local farmers display their homegrown produce, as well as artisan crafts, baked goods and more.
Organizers hope to see a boost in participation this year, with the county helping pay some of the bills.
With the 2024 growing season on the horizon, advisory board members are making a few changes this year hoping to renew interest. In the past, participants were required to pay a small fee to help pay for the cost of operation. Starting this year, no fee will be required because the county is paying the insurance and utilities.
“We are trying to get participation back up so we now have an advisory board to oversee and give advice to the farmers market,” Advisory Board Member Larry Green explained. “A lot of people like to bring out their produce and sell it directly to the public and whether they are aware of it or not, the public can get some great buys there and some really good produce.”
“Some of the expenses the farmers market was having to pay, including all the utilities and insurance on it, the county is now picking that up so people can now come out and display their goods and it doesn’t cost them anything. They can come out and set up,” Green said.
“We would really like to thank County Mayor Adcock, because it was he who made the decision that the county could pick up the utilities. He met with us and provided his input, and he is fully on board with what we are doing,” said Green.
Anyone who wishes to sign up for a farmers market space can reach board members Gena Cripps and Rebecca Coleman at DeKalb Ace Hardware weekdays. Green said the farmers market could also be a source for certain non-profits to sell products. “We are open to any civic organization that wants to come out and hold an event. For example, girl scouts may want to have a cookie drive and sell their cookies. We will work with groups like that.”
Members of the DeKalb Farmers Market Advisory Board are Larry Green, Norval Young, Jean Hayes, Lora Webb, Gena Cripps, Rebecca Coleman and Jackie Norton. For more information call 615-785-8859
DeKalb County Farmer’s Market Guidelines:
The Farmer’s Market for DeKalb County is located at 205 East Bryant Street, next to the DeKalb Community Complex and DeKalb County Ace Hardware and is operated by the county to provide a safe and convenient location for farmers to sell their home-grown goods as defined herein. Additionally, “hand-crafted items” may be sold as defined herein.
Home-grown goods shall mean produce, vegetables, fruits, nuts, plants, ornamentals and any other product of farm and garden that are grown in the State of Tennessee during its appropriate growing season by farmers, truck growers, fruit growers, and horticulturists who are residents of DeKalb County or surrounding counties.
A handicraft, more precisely expressed as artisanal handicraft or handmade, is any of a wide variety of types of work where useful and decorate objects are made completely by one’s hand or by using only simple, non-automated related tools like scissors, carving implements, or hooks.
Tennessee Department of Agriculture requirements: Items such as molasses, honey, eggs, farm fresh frozen meats, baked goods, jelly, jams, and candy must meet the TDA requirements to be offered for sale at the farmers market.
Rules and Regulations:
1. Farmers or producers from DeKalb County, and residents from the 14 county Upper Cumberland area as follows: Putnam, Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Pickett, Overton, Smith, Warren, White and Van Buren counties are permitted to sell home grown/crafted goods.
2. Designated days and hours will be as follows: Wednesdays and Saturdays 7 a.m. until 12 Noon. Set-up and selling will not be permitted on any other days.
3. All vendors to complete an information form prior to selling produce/goods.
4. Consistent (may be present 3 times a month or more) vendors will receive a designated setup area. Other vendors who may not attend as often may setup in vacant areas on a first come, first served basis.
5. No secondhand items brought from home or purchased for resale will be permitted.
6. Parking is on a first come basis. No vehicle, trailer, equipment, etc. shall be allowed to occupy any portion of the market for the purpose of pre-empting a position thereon. Vendors may unload and load their items from their vehicle under the Farmer’s Market, but then need to move their vehicles to designated parking areas.
7. No vehicle, trailer, equipment, etc. shall be parked on the premises for the purpose of selling said vehicle, trailer, or equipment.
8. No permanent displays or installations will be allowed.
9. Vendors shall clean their area and help keep the general marker and the restrooms clean.
10. Rule violators will receive one warning. A second violation will result in suspension/revocation upon the Advisory board’s decision.
11. Inquiries about other events to be held at the Farmer’s Market will be determined by the Farmer’s Market Advisory Board on a case-by-case basis.
Farmer’s Market contact number: 615-785-8859.
