New Harvest Farmers Market Opens Thursday

Grand Opening Festivities Set for New Harvest Park Farmers Market

Berries, Bluegrass, Herbs and Rain Barrels 

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.--Knox County Parks and Recreation announces the Grand Opening celebration of the New Harvest Park Farmers Market on Thursday, June 18, from 3-6 p.m.  In addition to the market offerings, The Bluegrass Five will entertain visitors, folks can learn how to make a rain barrel, and hear the best ways to grow herbs in the East Tennessee climate.

The Farmers Market, located at 4775 New Harvest Lane in the County's New Harvest Park, features fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, organic produce, herbs, plants and flowers, fresh meats and dairy product.  Bakery fresh breads and confections and homemade salsa products are also available.

"This market has been great for the area," said Doug Bataille, Senior Director of Parks and Recreation for the County.  "It creates a sense of community--bringing together the local farmers and their customers in a casual situation, where they can actually get to know each other. We have many regular customers who come each week to buy their favorite products." 

Although the market has been open for a few weeks, the bulk of summer produce is beginning to appear.  In addition to berries of all kinds, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, squash, beans, cucumbers, many different greens, garlic, onions and snap peas are now offered. 

"We have several new vendors at the market this year," reported David Vandergriff, the UT Agriculture Extension Agent who has been active in recruiting the farmers." As more folks see that fresh, local produce tastes better and is healthier for them, they will continue to support our family farms. Here, we're giving them the opportunity to get those products, most of which are picked the same day." 

From 3-4:30 at the Grand Opening, Tracy Jones with Knox County Stormwater Management will be on hand to show how to make, install and maintain a rain barrel.  Rain barrels are an ideal way homeowners can conserve water by collecting rain water and reusing it for watering gardens and lawns.  And, Kathy Burke Mihalczo, owner of Erin's Meadow Herb Farm, will present a program on "Growing and Using Herbs in East Tennessee" at 3:30.

New Harvest Park features a splash pad, walking trail, playground and outdoor pavilion.   

For more information, please contact Knox County Parks and Recreation, 215-6600. 

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