Rockmart Farmers Market putting new rules into place in months ahead
The Rockmart Farmers Market has a few updates going forward into the rest of 2017 and 2018.
The market is still going to be open year-round on Rockmart’s Water St. Every Thursday from 2 to 6p.m., citizens can head to downtown Rockmart where numerous vendors will be selling goods in front of Seaborn Jones Park. In the words of Farmers Market Executive Director Shonna Kirkpatrick, being open year-round “ensures out community has access to healthy fresh vegetables every month of the year.” While vegetables like tomato tend to grow better in the Summer, winter produce includes some of “culture’s most popular such as spinach, broccoli, carrots, and plenty of greens—especially collard greens.” One should note that the market will be closed for two weeks at Thanksgiving and three weeks for Christmas, but will be open for the rest of the year rain or shine.
New vendors are always welcome, but there are rules going forward into the year. The mar- ket hosts vendors of all variety including “bakers, canners, and soap makers.” Any good sold at the Farmers Market must be grown or produced by the farmer and be within a 60 mile radius from Polk County. This means vendors don’t necessarily have to live in the county to share their goods with Rockmart and its neighbors.
The market will be featuring the second annual bout of Holiday Markets every Thursday during November and December. Holiday Markets expand the market to local artists and crafters who “will bring even more local goodness to downtown Rockmart,” said Kirkpatrick. Alongside arts and crafts, the farmers will be preparing holiday foods such as turkeys, hams, and rib roasts, collard greens, turnip greens, and pumpkins. Local bakers will be “in full holiday mode with plenty of breads, sweets, jellies, syrups, and preserved vegetables,” said the director.
The market also accepts food stamps and will continue to offer the Georgia Fresh for Less Program through Wholesome Wave, Georgia. Under this program food stamp participants can double the amount they spend at the market up to $50 per person. “Bring your SNAP card to the green market booth at the weekly market and take advantage of the popular program,” mentions Kirkpatrick.
Various cooking classes will and are being held throughout the year. Classes are usually focused on teaching hygiene, proper safety techniques, tips for making healthy recipes, and healthy alternatives to common foods. Previous recipes covered in the class include veggie burgers, vegetable pastas, home made pickles, and more. Classes are held at the Silver Comet Trailhead in front of the market and usually cost approximately $5.