[ April 03, 2024 ] The Jasper Farmers Market will start its 25th year Saturday, April 6th. Last season the market opened with about 25 vendors, and grew to over 70 at its summer peak. The market opens 7:30 am to 12 Noon every Saturday with few exceptions. Later in the summer, June 19-August 28th, the market will also open on Wednesday's from 11-1.

One question that is repeatedly asked in the spring is "Why do other markets have tomatoes and JFM doesn't?". The answer is easy, the JFM only sells local produce that the farmers grow themselves. There are no resales here like other markets.

The JFM is 100% locally homegrown/handmade. Most farmers markets allow "farmers" to buy produce and resell it as if they grew it themselves, but not the JFM. And no, there are no local homegrown tomatoes in the spring in North Georgia (no matter what other markets say). Summer is tomato, corn and okra season here.

Spring is our 'greens season' with lettuce, kale, asparagus, radishes, arugula, bok choy and later cabbage and broccoli. Spring is also 'egg season' with an abundance of farm fresh eggs at the market. Chickens apparently love the warm days and cool nights!

Zach Henson hopes to have greens and a bit of asparagus at the first market but Katy bar the door! Zach planted over 3000 onions this year. No one grows sweet onions like Zach does! He also grows a huge variety of produce all season long.

Smoky Mountain Produce, Steve and Becky Alexander, grows the best garlic you have ever had. They have planted over 7000 heads, and then they cure it to perfection. But like most things, we have to wait til June. In the meantime, Steve has the best micro greens, hydroponic lettuce and so much more.

Jones Family Farm is so local you could almost walk to their farm. Last year they started the season with tender lettuce and greens. They grow in high tunnels, which extends the season by a few weeks. Louise Jones is usually the first to have the coveted tomatoes.

Riggin Farm sells the best pastured pork you have ever had. Stock up on their bacon while you can as it sells out fast. They also sell pastured eggs and more.

Tony Pisconeri sells terrific sourdough bread and artisan boules at the JFM. Bring your knives to the market and have them sharpened while you shop. Tony Whitfield, Y-Not Sharp, can sharpen just about everything including your garden hoe and chainsaw chains.

There are so many different vendors that these are just the tip of the romaine, but you can buy with confidence knowing everything was grown by the farmers and not bought at the state farmers market for resale.

So come on out this Saturday morning and start your morning off with a cup of Red Bean Harvest Coffee. Kebra will be there serving up the best cup of coffee around.

Support your local farmers, without farmers there would be no food!

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Proclamation by the City of Jasper

A Resolution of the City of Jasper recognizing the 25th Anniversary of the Jasper Farmers Market and declaring April 6, 2024 as JASPER FARMERS MARKET DAY.

WHEREAS, The Jasper Farmers Market has provided an events permit application for the 2024 Market Season to be held at Lee Newton Park starting April 6, 2024 through December 7, 2024; and

WHEREAS, the Jasper Farmers Market will celebrate their 25th anniversary of operation in 2024; and

WHEREAS, the City of Jasper recognizes the vital role that farmers markets play in bringing communities together and in supporting the livelihoods of millions of people in the United States; and

WHEREAS, farmers markets serve as significant educational sites and as bridges between urban and rural communities; and

WHEREAS, farmers markets help to improve the health and wellness of people in the United States by providing equitable access to nutritious foods; and

WHEREAS, the City of Jasper recognizes the unique and indispensable role that farmers markets play in supporting food access, bolstering local economies, promoting healthy communities, and fostering sustainable farming.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY OF JASPER RECOGNIZES THE JASPER FARMERS MARKET'S 2024 MARKET SEASON AS THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JASPER FARMERS MARKET AND DECLARES APRIL 6, 2024, AS JASPER FARMERS MARKET DAY.

Passed and Adopted this 4th day of March, 2024, by the City of Jasper.

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SATURDAYS
April 6 - September 28
7:30 am -12 Noon

WEDNESDAYS
June 19 - August 28
11 am - 1 pm

NO MARKET SATURDAY OCTOBER 5th (Georgia Marble Festival)

WINTER MARKET
October 12 - December 7
9 am - 1 pm

VENDOR INFORMATION

Vendor Selling Fee: $3 charged and will be collected by the Jasper Farmers Market manager at each market.

A vendor is any person/persons that take up a space in the market area.

Vendors should arrive by 7 am with setup complete by opening at 7:30 am.

Everything must be homemade, homemade or homegrown.

MORE INFORMATION

WEBSITE
FACEBOOK (Jasper Farmers Market)
Call Pickens Co. Extension Office at 706-253-8840