Athens Farmers Market Opens Saturday

The Athens Farmers Market kicks off this Saturday, April 2, at Bishop Park, running from 8 a.m. until noon. Now in its 4th year, the Farmer Market's 2011 season will feature a number of new growers, food vendors and local artisans alongside familiar favorites. The market has a complete list of vendors available. The market opens earlier this year, thanks in part to a grant which covered the expenses of putting up hoop houses for a number of farmers, thus allowing them to get a jump on the growing season.

Soap maker Suzanne Bourgeois of Verdae Skin Therapy says, “The Athens Farmers Market generates a lot of enthusiasm in the community," sats soap maker Suzanne Bourgeois. It also provides a social atmosphere where friends and neighbors can meet, enjoy casual shopping, listen to local music and talk to vendors, she said.

Grower Todd Lister of Veribest Farm calls the market experience “fellowship.” He adds, “After three years of selling locally grown veggies and flowers, I am raring to go into this new season. I love being part of it.”

Pop rock band, The Vinyl Strangers, will get things going at 8:00 and folksinger/songwriter Emily Armond will take the stage at 10:00. Shoppers can expect to find a variety of spring vegetables this weekend including lettuces and greens of all sorts, plus beets, carrots, spring onions, and herbs. Live plants will also be available for purchase. Participating growers are required to be Certified Naturally Grown which, in essence, requires all produce to be grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers.

The companion downtown farmers market is held in the parking lot at Little Kings Shuffle Club. It opens on Tuesday, April 5 at 4 p.m., and closes at 7 p.m.