[ June 12, 2023 ] Isn't it fun to watch people talking? The gesturing, the smiles, the looks of interest as someone speaks.

Soon there may be a small group forming to discuss the weather, the onions, the happy pooches passing by. People are holding up products to get a closer look. Decisions are being made, items are being bagged, smiles are everywhere.

This was the scene Saturday as the Jasper Farmers Market was in full swing. A new record of 75 vendors was established. The orange cones were lined up in a swerve to accommodate all the tents and still leave a few handicapped parking spaces. Definitely this was a cause for excitement!

The day was bright and fair. An ideal day for our market. Children were lining up for Snowballs snow cones. Gavin Davenport of VEX-GO was selling empanadas fast. Vivian's dairy free coconut milk sorbets were as popular as ever. So many flavors! (Baskin-Robbins only has 39.)

Joseph Catron, blacksmith, of Iron Rabbit Forge not only sells beautiful one-of-a-kind knives and wrought iron hooks, he offers bar shampoo in assorted scents. An interesting combination of goods, as many of our vendors will do.

While some stick to one product done well, others offer a variety of things, plus have alternate outlets for selling their goods, like Etsy. Asa Thomas of Scent City is one such Etsy vendor.

Lora Ann Pharis of GA Mountain Crafts Leather Goods also uses Facebook to connect with customers. And Madison Fox of Coast to Coast Handcrafted Jewelry wants her customers to follow her on Instagram. Kim Komenda uses Etsy, also, to showcase her unique natural stone and twisted wire jewelry.

Of course, many people embrace the modern technology, but many a soul still prefers the gold standard of buying and selling by being there bodily, which is what the market thrives on. All these customers being at the market makes the day brighter and fairer.

Be sure to come and see all the wonderful people and their wonderful offerings at the Jasper Farmers Market. The best Shop Local biz around!

The JFM opens at 7:30 am for early birds and finishes by noon. But, great news folks!

The Summer market will be opening June 21 from 11 am to 1 pm. As the veggies keep growing they need a second day to sell.

The FM is held at Lee Newton Park in the Park N Ride parking lot across from the Veterans Memorial.

For more information, like the Facebook page (Jasper Farmers Market) or call the Pickens Co. Extension Office at 706-253-8840.