Mark your calendars, foodies and community enthusiasts alike, because the Kingsport Farmers Market is gearing up to bring another season of fresh, local produce and family-friendly festivities to the heart of Kingsport. With the starting date set for April 26, the market, located at 308 Clinchfield Street, invites everyone to partake in an opening day filled with merriment, music, and more.
The season launch promises a plethora of activities, as described in an announcement on the city’s official website. With the gates opening at 7 a.m., early birds can enjoy a children’s activity hosted by the Kingsport Public Library starting at 8:30 a.m., and throughout the morning, complimentary shopping bags meant for coloring will be distributed to add a splash of creativity to the shopping experience, with both giveaways available while supplies last. Riding on the Kingsport Carousel will also be available starting at 10 a.m., with each spin costing a dollar.
Music will be a staple at the market as Mike Milhorn and the Possum Chasers are slated to provide live tunes that will set the ambiance for a day of bustling commerce and community bonding. The market won't just be a one-day wonder; it's scheduled to operate on Saturdays through to the end of November, with an additional day of trade on Wednesdays starting May 1 until the end of September, or whenever the stalls run empty of their goods from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Shoppers at the Kingsport Farmers Market can anticipate a diverse array of offerings each week. From the ripest fruits and vegetables, indulgent baked goods, and locally sourced meats to artisanal crafts and fresh blooms, there's something to tickle everyone's fancy. Familiar programs are making a comeback, including live music entertainment during Market Jams, culinary insights from "Saturday’s with the Chef," and the celebratory National Farmers Market Week alongside Tomato Fest. "Our Fall Festival and a Seed Library," the announcement on the city's website notes, "in conjunction with the Kingsport Public Library," will surely enrich the community's horticultural knowledge.
Furthermore, thanks to a generous grant from the Appalachian Resource, Conservation and Development Council, the Kingsport Farmers market has confirmed the return of its Farmacy Fit program. In partnership with Healthy Kingsport, the initiative will support Double UP SNAP dollars for eligible participants, doubling the value of SNAP benefits spent at the market on healthy, local food. It's a win-win for both the community's health and the local economy.
