Farmers Market grand opening set Saturday

UPDATE: Weather has delayed completion of the new Farmers Market. The grand opening has been rescheduled for Saturday, Aug. 24.

Woo Hoo! the concrete if poured, crews are busy erecting the steel building for the permanent home of the Cannon County Farmers Market. Weather permitting, the grand opening of the Cannon County Farmers Market is scheduled for Saturday, August 17th at 9:00 A.M.

The birth of the idea of a permanent home began while local producers sold out of their trucks around the courthouse square. The Market bounced around to other locations until roots were firmly planted at the current site at the Arts Center of Cannon County. We have enjoyed a great partnership with the Arts Center during the past two seasons. We look forward to great partnership for years to come and invite you to come out to the Market to enjoy the fellowship along with a great selection of agriculture of Cannon County.

Come out and be a part of this historic Grand Opening of the Cannon County Farmers Market.  This year's wacky season is still playing havoc to the gardens and truck patches throughout the County. Fortunately, the Market still has a great supply of green tomatoes for the southern favorite "fried green tomatoes" and red ripe and yellow tomatoes for a wide range delectable summer recipes. Green beans have been slow to produce due to the wet, cloudy weather. The Market still has a good selection of green beans and sweet corn.  Several of the producers have large quantities available for those needing vegetables to preserve. 

Last week's highlights included the silver queen sweet corn of the Martin Family and a jar of pepper jam I was lucky to make off with from Mrs. Irene Hollis. The sugar baby watermelons of Mr. Thurman's were "mouthwatering" as well. To get the very best that the Market has to offer, come early….the old adage of the "early bird gets the worm" is true for the Market. So if you have a particular "hankering" this Saturday, drop by the Market that seasonal favorite.

For those looking for locally grown farm fresh vegetables, drop by the Cannon County Farmers  Market this Saturday, August 17th for a great selection of fruits, vegetables and baked good including; beans (blue lake, Roma  and half-runners), butternut, cantaloupes, cucumbers, eggplant, fresh herbs, peppers (Anaheim, bell, banana, Poblano, cayenne, jalapeno, sweet banana), okra, potatoes (Irish new potatoes), purple hull peas, sweet corn (peaches & cream and silver queen), squash (zucchini and yellow), sweet corn, tomatoes (red, yellow and green), watermelons, assortment of squash. Irene Hollis and Lindsey Parsley have a great selection of homemade fried pies and assortment of jams, jellies and baked goods.  Half Acre Farm offers raw salsa, spicy dill pickles, pesto and organic cucumbers, squash, bell peppers and Roma and beefsteak tomatoes. They continue to feature pickled pepperoncini, *chicken salad and *pimento cheese salad. (*provided by Blue Porch Restaurant)

The Cannon County Farmers Market is located at the Arts Center of Cannon County every Saturday beginning at 6:00 A.M. Most Saturdays the market is open until noon or until the farm fresh fruits and vegetables have been sold. Best way to get the best selection is to come early! Local businesses supporting the Cannon County Farmer's Market, includes; Osborn's Piggy Wiggly, Save a Lot, Chilango's and the Blue Porch. We appreciate their support for utilizing locally grown, farm fresh items. 

For help with freezing or canning tips, contact Carla Bush at the Cannon County Extension Office at 563-2554. If you need more information concerning the market or would like to become a vendor, contact Bruce Steelman at the Cannon County Extension Office (563-2554), bsteelman@utk.edu or Cannoncountyfarmersmarket.com. The Cannon County Farmers Market specializes in bringing farm fresh, vine ripen fruits and vegetables from the farm to your dinner table.