Some seven hundred people came to eat corn, buy corn, and learn about corn at the Union County Corn Festival hosted by the Union County Farmers Market on August 5, 2023 in Heritage Park. Deerinda Cooke, market manager, just kept clicking the counter as she welcomed over 700 visitors. The crowd more than doubled last year's attendance. A bounty of fresh corn and produce filled tables and truck beds to satisfy even the most particular shopper. Elizabeth Tindell from Tindell's Farmhouse Bakery cooked over a thousand sweet corn fritters on site. Next door, Rick Riddle of Seven Springs Farm teamed up with some market members to offer smashed burgers with a side of rosen ear. On down the row, FirstBank distributed free popcorn. Beth Bergeron from UT Extension was busy sharing recipes and free cutting boards to help make creamed corn.

Adding to the festivities were freshly cooked donuts by Oh Nuts, Donuts and yummy ice cream by Sticks and Scoops. Other vendors included Running Buck Farm, Mama T's, Ann's Baked Goods, Walnut Hill, Thompson Produce, House Mountain Bounty, Southern Sour, Kelly's Creations, Jessee Farms, Custom Creations, Customs by Shelton, and Hayes Hollow. Cutting Boards of all shapes and sizes by Raymond Atkins Woodworking drew a large crowd. Union County Historical Society offered some books and stories on the history of farming and the the Appalachian music and culture. Zach Summers and the Gospel Strings performed some old time tunes as well as some covers of Elvis and other musicians. UT Extension also displayed ribbon winning vegetables and fruits. Southern Taps Clogging got people to tapping their toes. Martin Shafer shared woodworking on an historic lathe run by a hit 'n miss engine.

Mark your calendar for the annual event on the first Saturday in August and visit the Farmers Market every Saturday from 9:00 to 1:00 at Heritage Park. Many of the Farmers Market Members will be participating in the Union County Heritage Festival at Wilson Park on October 7, 2023.