More than 100 makers, bakers and artisans are expected at McArthur Pavilion on the Maryville College campus this Saturday for the fall Maryville Makers Market. The Oct. 3 event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is scheduled to include a Blue-Ribbon Apple Pie Contest, food trucks, live music and hands-on activities for kids.
The Daily Times reports the market began in 2014 with 12 vendors. Event listings from letsbeblount.com say this fall’s market will feature more than 100 makers, with handcrafted, scratch-made and homegrown goods, plus coffee, iced drinks, lunch options and treats.
What's for Sale and Who's Baking
The Daily Times’ preview lists jewelry, books, skincare products, photography, candles, embroidery, crochet, pet gifts, preserved flowers, jams and sauces among the offerings. Bread makers, potters, stained-glass artists, candy makers and woodworkers are also expected, along with the Townsend Artisan Guild, whose members create paintings and felt work and make pieces on site.
The market's food offerings have grown alongside its craft vendors. maryvillekids.com notes the event includes food vendors, live musicians, artists painting live, free kids' creative activities, hands-on workshops and giveaways, and lists Maryville Makers Market LLC as the organizer behind the day's programming.
The Blue-Ribbon Apple Pie Contest
The Blue-Ribbon Apple Pie Contest is a recurring feature of the market, according to letsbeblount.com. The winner receives a blue ribbon and a gift card to Bella. This year’s judge is Cory Giaquinta, executive chef for Bella, Raven Steakhouse and Lounge, and The Armory, restaurants owned by Gemini Hospitality, according to The Daily Times.
The Daily Times reports that Giaquinta develops recipes and menus for the restaurants and works with their kitchen managers.
A Grassroots Event, Four Times a Year
Organizer Debra Dean told The Daily Times that the market began with 12 vendors and later moved to McArthur Pavilion, where it draws hundreds of visitors. Listings differ on the event’s schedule: a 2023 listing from the Blount County Chamber described it as happening twice a year, while The Daily Times’ coverage of an earlier summer market described four annual events—in spring, summer, fall and at Christmas.
The Blount County Chamber listing says the 2023 fall market was held Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and featured 85 makers, bakers, growers, artists and artisans. Its program included a beekeeping lecture, live music, giveaways, scratch-made treats and food trucks.
From Roadside Beginnings to a College Pavilion
Past editions have used different seasonal formats. The Daily Times described a summer market called Bluegrass and Beignets, held from 5 to 9 p.m. with a suggested $2 admission donation and free entry for kids. Another December event was described in that coverage as only the market’s second holiday edition.
Saturday’s market is free to attend at McArthur Pavilion, 825 Morningside Lane. Organizers list the market’s Facebook page and [email protected] for vendors and visitors seeking more details.
A Pavilion Built for Events
According to Maryville College, McArthur Pavilion sits next to the campus woods and has a fireplace, electrical power and house lights for nighttime events.
