The Holly Springs Farmers Market reopens Saturday morning, May 2 for a ninth season, reuniting townspeople with locally-grown, farm fresh food and those who provide it.
The market is open Saturday mornings through mid-October from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot across Main Street from Town Hall. It is operated by the town’s Department of Planning and Zoning.
“We are looking forward to the opening of season 9 to bring life back to downtown Saturday mornings and to see our long-time customers and friends,” said Gina Clapp, Planning and Zoning director. “The market is a great place for neighbors to socialize and where children learn about eating healthy and local while having fun.”
Two dozen vendors of produce, meats, coffee and artisanal foods have signed up for season 9, plus two makers of all-natural bath and body products. More vendors continue to join. Most are within 25 miles of Holly Springs. Everything must be made or grown in N.C.
Most vendors use sustainable growing practices even though they are not certified organic.
“They love what they do and love to share it with our customers,” Clapp said.
This year the market has new coffee roaster, ice cream, and meat and produce vendors in addition to a couple of new bakers with a variety of sweets. Shoppers can take a break under a new hospitality tent and listen to live music.
Come early for the quickly-selling farm fresh eggs, plus cheeses and all-natural meats that include duck, lamb and turkey. Strawberries are a big draw in May. Zucchini, squash and tomatoes should begin as soon as mid-May.
The market’s blue ribbon sponsor this season is GMA Supply.
The Farmers Market has grown over the years in vendors, products and crowds. Last year, the market drew an average of 800 patrons a week, topping out at 20,000 for the season. It has been voted N.C.’s Favorite Farmers Market three years in a row in American Farmland Trust’s “I Love My Farmers Market” contest.
Special events during the season include two document shredding opportunities, food truck rodeos on June 27 and Aug. 29, Taste of Holly Springs, Founder’s Day, and the season-ending Chili Cook-off.
The Farm to Table Chef Series with Michelle Strom returns on the second Saturday of the month. Share your lawn and garden dilemmas with the Holly Springs Garden Club on the third Saturday of the month.