Returning a week early this year, the Union County Farmers Market is set to open on Saturday, May 30. The early decision came about because several of the farmers had an excess of early produce last year, according to Commissioner Harold Collins.
For the sake of avoiding food waste, they’ve been invited to sell their produce a week early, and guests can stock up their pantries with everything on offer. Tuesdays, in fact, feature more produce than crafts, and already there are some greens like kale and collards available as well as some squash.
Continue reading with a subscription.
North Georgia News — serving Union County since 1909.
$10 a month. Cancel anytime.
Market Manager Dustin “The Rog” Rogers said that guests benefited greatly from last year’s introduction of the ATM and shopping carts, meaning that they will be available again for the 2026 season.
The design of the event’s brochures has been tweaked to include more than just the map. General history of the Farmers Market has been added along with some information on the kinds of events held at the location.
Those blurbs include facts about Appalachian heritage, which is on display at the historic Hunter-England Cabin that features a blacksmith shop containing antique tools. Rogers wanted to remind folks that while no changes or events are happening to the historic section this year, it’s still available to explore as well as the walking trails.
More children’s activities like a bouncy house and face painting will be included, and not just on certain dates. Rogers said that kids will be able to enjoy those attractions throughout the season, and he’s looking at organizing a special event with UGA Extension Agent Jacob Williams.
“Critters in the Creek” would ideally occur on a clear-weathered Saturday, allowing kids to identify and even catch crayfish – otherwise known as crawfish or crawdads – and other wildlife that call Butternut Creek home. Details are still being organized, but an announcement will go out about a week prior.
Rather than occurring on the first weekend as is tradition, the Blue Ridge Mountain Soil and Water Conservation District’s Beef Cattle Field Day will take place the second weekend, on June 6.
Along with that, the Farmers Market is following the suit of many other local businesses and organizations and celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday with a patriotic July 4 celebration.
The Farmers Market’s sister event, Trash to Treasures, will be held at the same location every Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting May 29. Alongside the Farmers Market, it runs through October as well and allows for a unique shopping experience.
“It’s totally different,” noted Rogers, explaining that vendors sell a variety of pre-owned items and antiques.
Thanks to the efforts of Sandi Godfrey, there is a new website for the Farmers Market that visitors are encouraged to check for regular updates and information. Head over to www.ucfarmersmarket.net to peruse a full list of the seasonal vendors complete with contact information and links to their own websites.
The Union County Farmers Market is open every Tuesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., located at 290 Farmers Market Way in Blairsville. Questions can be directed to 706-439-6043 or farmersmarket@uniongov.com. Service dogs are welcome, but due to sanitation concerns, no other animals are allowed at the Farmers Market.
“Come one, come all, rain or shine,” invited Commissioner Collins.
