Fresh from the Farmers Markets By Michelle Martin You dont have to be a foodie or an experienced cook to appreciate local farmers markets. While popular for their fresh, locally grown, organic fruits, vegetables and other foods, farmers markets offer something for virtually everyone artisan crafts and jewelry; bath soaps and candles; flowers, plants and herbs; homemade jams, jellies and sauces; cooking and gardening demonstrations; childrens activities; live entertainment; and so much more! Farmers markets contribute to the local economy by supporting independent, local vendors. And, farmers markets have a special way of creating community within the community. As local organizers explained, The connection between customers and farmers is an experience unique to farmers markets, not something you can find at grocery stores. Farmers markets are a great way to bring local farmers, families, friends and neighbors together. Visit your local farmers markets to experience a fresh approach to food and fun! Local Farmers Markets Canton Farmers Market8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Saturdays through October 25Cannon Park, Downtown Canton770-704-1529, Canton-Georgia.com In addition to fresh produce, plants, baked goods and local crafts, Canton Farmers Market features live music and other activities each week. Special topics will include art demonstrations, eating farm to table, gardening tips from Cherokee Master Gardeners, and more. Cherokee Fresh Market8:30-11:30 a.m., Saturdays, June 7-August 30362 Stringer Road, Canton; 678-491-5843Sponsored by the Cherokee County office of Georgia Farm Bureau, Cherokee Fresh Market offers fresh, locally grown produce, eggs, bread, honey, jams and preserves, crafts and jewelry. It is located on the Cagle Family Farm, with farm tours at 10:00 a.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Vendor spaces (free, with tables) are still available. Dont miss these special events: Tractor Day, July 19; Pie Day, July 26; and Pie Finals, August 30. Cherokee Market Farm Fresh Produce9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., daily4864 Cumming Hwy., Canton; 770-755-0736Currently located at the historic Bells store building on the corner of Union Hill and Highway 20 (Cumming Highway) in Canton, Cherokee Market Farm Fresh Produce is open daily. All produce comes fresh from the Georgia State Farmers Market several times a week, along with fresh seafood from Toms Awesome Seafood and grass-fed meats and dairy products from Carlton Farms once a week. Local vendors also deliver fresh-baked breads, cakes, pies and brownies. The market is known for its old-fashioned charm, including old-fashioned bottles of Nehi, RC and other soft drinks on ice in an old-fashioned Coca-Cola cooler. Visit the new location coming soon at 11611 Cumming Hwy., Lathemtown. River Church Farmers Market2:00-6:00 p.m., Tuesdays, through October 282335 Sixes Road, CantonRiverChurchFarmersMarket.comFresh, homemade tamales, artisan breads, fancy fruit sorbet, premium pork (hormone-, steroid- and antibiotic-free), pasture-raised poultry, and Colombian food by GGs Kitchen are just a sampling of the great things youll find here. Check the markets website and Facebook page for a listing of special events, including a pie baking and eating contest on June 17 and a salsa festival in July. Waleska Farmers Market3:00-7:00 p.m., Thursdays, through September 4 (no market July 3)Hwy. 140 / Hwy. 108, parking lot at Reinhardt University, Waleska; 770-720-5988Reinhardt University faculty Elizabeth Smith and Reinhardt Horticulturalist Zach White started Waleska Farmers Market five years ago. New this year is the Waleska Farmers Market Shopper Rewards Program. Patrons who spend $100 at the market will win a market tote bag and be entered into a drawing on July 10 for a $25 cash prize. Pick up a rewards card from the market manager to track your spending. Special events will include Waleska Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Night, June 19; Putt Putt for Produce, July 10; Pie Day Challenge, July 24; and Salsa Challenge, August 7. Cherokee Masters Gardeners also will offer free tips June 19, July 17, August 21 and September 18. Woodstock Farmers Market8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Saturdays, through October 25Market Street, Downtown Woodstock4:30-8:00 p.m., Tuesdays, through October 28The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock; 770-924-0406 MainStreetWoodstock.org/Programs/FarmersMarket.aspxA group of volunteers started the Woodstock Farmers Market six years ago with approximately 10 vendors. Now with 35-45 vendors and a new market added on Tuesdays at The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta this years Woodstock Farmers Market is expected to be bigger than ever! In addition to fresh, local produce, baked goods and other items, the market will include educational demonstrations by Cherokee County Farm Bureau on the first Saturday and first Tuesday of the month, and cooking demonstrations by local chefs on the third Saturday of the month. Cherokee Masters Gardeners also will offer free tips June 7, July 5, August 2 and September 6.
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