Maryville Farmers’ Market continues to promote local businesses
The mission of the Maryville Famer’s Market is not only making fresh products available to the community but to connect the community to local farmers. From April to November, every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Maryville Farmers’ Market takes place at Founders’ Square in downtown Maryville.
Maryville College junior Katie Conner with the Farmers’ Market mermaid, Alyssa Ussery.
It is made up of vendors who grow, make or bake all of their products. Even though there are not many vendors, each tent has a different selection than the others. The selection of products ranges from veggies to soap to fruit jams.
Recently, the Maryville Farmers Market had their End of the Summer Splash event, complete with popsicles and a live mermaid. Among the many vendors, there was Zavel’s Family Farm. They sell several different types of meat and vegetables.
Janice Hullet of “Jammin Jams” talks to a customer.
Mike Zavel and his family have been friendly faces at the Maryville Farmers’ Market for over 15 years. Bringing fresh produce and meats to locals is their livelihood, and they set up shop at around six markets a week, including ones in Oak Ridge and Knoxville.
Some Maryville vendors, like Zavel, have been around for many years, while others are just joining the Maryville Farmers’ Market family.
Jammin Jams, a whole fruit jam vendor run by produce enthusiast Janice Hullet, has recently joined the Maryville Farmers’ Market scene, although they’ve been in business for five years. They make a variety of flavors including peach, strawberry, apricot, and even a sugar-free apple butter made with organic apples.
The next Maryville Farmers’ Market will be on Saturday, Sept. 21. The final market of the year will be on Nov. 9.