In the mood for locally grown organic food? Then come to Smyrna’s first Fresh Farmer’s Market, set to debut Saturday, May 23, in the First Baptist Church parking lot adjacent to the Market Village. Provided enough vendors sign up, the market will be held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through September.
The city hopes to attract vendors of locally grown organic produce. “We have not had a well-established source for locally grown food here in Smyrna, particularly organic food,” says Ann Kirk, director of Keep Smyrna Beautiful. “It saves energy and resources to support local growers, it is great for the local economy, and the food just tastes better!”
She adds that interest in a local market has been growing for some time. The logistics of making it work seemed to come together in time for the spring/summer 2009 planting/harvesting season.
“We have had to do our research and have the blessing of the elected officials and then secure a location,” Kirk says. “We felt that because of its large, level area adjacent to the Market Village that the First Baptist Church parking lot was our first choice for the location for the market. We also did not want to compete with our existing retail and restaurant establishments, but structure the Fresh market to help add another draw to the Market Village experience. Fortunately, the City and the Church leadership seem to have also embraced the concept with excitement. We are in a unique position to offer great marketing support to our vendors through our city website and publications. We think it will be a real win-win for everyone.”
So, if you have more cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, blueberries or other homegrown produce or dry goods than you know what to do with, consider becoming a vendor at the market. The city is currently accepting applications for the season, with several already lined up. There is no cost, but space is limited and vendors are required to provide their own tents, tables and chairs. Contact Ann Kirk at akirk@ci.smyrna.ga.us or 770-431-2863 to sign up.