Farmer's Markets Reopen— with Fresh Treats this Season!

From May to October, the open-air Fayette County farmer’s markets are full of fruits, vegetables and local arts and crafts.
As we round the corner to summer, more produce is coming in every week. Farmer’s markets are a great place to get fresh, local food, and you get to meet the people who grow it. Find everything from fruits, vegetables, honey and eggs to artisan goods like soaps, flowers, and jewelry.
Established in 2007, the Fayette County Farmers market has more than 35 members and 2 locations, one in Fayetteville and one in Oak Hill. The market can accept EBT and Senior Nutrition Coupons.
Emma Davis is the treasurer and jack-of-all-trades at the Fayette County Farmers Market Association. Emma has been with the Farmers Market for 5 years, and is passionate about helping folks eat healthier and eating local.
We got to chat with her and find out what is new and exciting at the markets this year:

What’s different at each market?

“Each market has different guidelines that determine how many vendors we can have and what they can sell. In Fayetteville, farmers and growers can sell produce, and established members can sell arts and crafts, while in Oak Hill new members can sell arts and crafts and farmers and growers can sell produce.
“Both markets sell local eggs and meat. All meat is processed at a USDA-approved facility. Depending on the time of year, customers can find local lamb, chicken, pork and beef at both markets. It’s exciting for farmers and growers to offer fresh local foods.”

The Rick Rutledge Pavilion

“This Pavilion was added last year, and was built by the Farmers market Association along with the City of Oak Hill and Fayette County.
“The pavilion was named after Rick Rutledge, a farmer who was one of the original founders of the Farmers Market. When Rick was diagnosed with ALS while working on the Pavilion, he continued to work from home as his illness progressed. Rick lost his battle with ALS last year, but his enthusiasm and dedication to the Farmers Market lives on.
“The property is leased from the city but the Association owns the Pavilion. While the pavilion has set market times, farmers can sell fresh produce and goods any day of the week.”

What’s Fresh This Week:

“Strawberries, lots and lots of strawberries! Asparagus, and lots of plants like tomatoes, cucumbers and sweet potatoes, so folks can plant their own fresh vegetables in their home gardens.”
Stop by and check out the food, arts, crafts and good times at the markets:

• 2-6 p.m. Tuesdays in Oak Hill at the Rick Rutledge Pavilion
• 7:30 -11:30 a.m. Saturdays in Oak Hill at the Rick Rutledge Pavilion
• Saturdays 7:30-11:30 am in Fayetteville, in the parking lot of The Station Restaurant

What fresh finds are you hoping to discover?