The Farmers Market, at Tractor Supply on Saturdays, features items only made or grown in Tennessee

TOP PHOTO: Shannon and children along with rabbits at Saturday’s Farmers Market. (PHOTO COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – From fresh produce to a family atmosphere to, yes, even a mascot, The Farmers Market blends it all into a successful weekly venture. The limited success that began nearly15 years ago is really coming into its own this year and the last couple of years, according to Market Manager Megan Colley, in her eighth season at the helm.

Farmers Market began at Freeman Park in 2011 and moved to its present location of the Tractor Supply parking lot. The lot where the market is now affords a lot of space, according to Colley.

Colley was a part of the market in its infancy back around 2010. “There was a lot of interest from customers in the beginning though the vendor interest struggled. Shopper and vendor numbers are up, and on Saturday we had a lot of shoppers with good sales as vendor attendance was pretty good,” said Colley.

Megan Colley is in her 8th season serving as manager of the Farmers Market.

Fresh, in-season, produce is the biggest attraction though there are lots of other items at the market that’s open from 8am to 2pm every Saturday through Saturday, October 5. “Find farm fresh eggs, honey, flowers, handcrafted decorations and gifts, homemade soap and woodcrafts at the market,” said Colley. It’s a little different each week, Colley adds.

Eileen is the plant lady.

Vendors include a woodcrafter who has wood burn art, a new addition, crocheted stuffed animals, real eye catchers, according to Colley. “People are always asking for Cindy’s salves. Cindy does well at the market. Brenda features baked goods and candies. Farmer John will even be returning for Saturday visits from time to time,” said Colley. Colley’s specialties are tie dye items and homemade soaps.

A Farmers Market staple is Megan Colley’s tie dye stand.

See Ashley Heath with Pipers Pretties.

A youngster, 4-5 years old, Emmitt is a regular. He asks his parents or grandparents “if the farmers are coming out.” “He’s become our mascot,” said Colley.

“I like it (The Farmers Market), because it becomes almost like seeing family, our own little community. I love that part,” said Colley.

A NOTE FROM THE GRAND ON CENTRAL: “There is so much good going on in our community, and I want to share all this good with you every Monday here on WLAF in hopes that you will start your week in a grand way making each week a Grand Week,” said Olivia Lobertini, owner of The Grand on Central.

Below, take a visit through The Grand on Central.

For bookings, email Olivia Lobertini ohlobertini03@gmail.com. Check on avails HERE. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/13/2024-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON-PAID AD)

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