Union County Farmers Market kicks off the 2018 season 9 a.m. Saturday, May 5, in Wilson Park, and this year is shaping up to be the best yet.

Since its inception in the summer of 2011, the market has shown growth, both in vendors and sales. In fact, according to UT Extension Agent Shannon DeWitt, during the 2016 and 2017 seasons, the average number of vendors doubled, and sales grew by 76 percent in 2016 and 30 percent in 2017. DeWitt said that growth is thanks to a USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program Grant, which provided funds for education, promotion and marketing, and programs like produce tastings and cooking demonstrations.

"We feel like there has been a significant increase in the number of customers visiting the market each week, but unfortunately we don't have the data to officially state the increase," she said.

Beth Bergeron of the Extension Office agreed.

"It's phenomenal. It has been a lot. We hope it will continue to grow. We are in a small county, and we do hope to attract our lakeside community and our neighbors," she said. "Part of the main goal of our market is education, whether it's to educate the public of the importance of buying local and supporting local, healthful eating and the difference it makes when you support your local farmers, and buying fresh."

The market got its start with the help of a grant from East Tennessee Foundation for advertising, equipment and programs. For several years, it was held in the front parking lot of Union County High School, then at the Union County Arts Co-op, and now at its current home in Wilson Park. A new sign on Highway 33 directs passing traffic to the market.

While longtime, established vendors will be returning this year, there are also many new farms and youth businesses that come to Union County Farmers Market, a great opportunity to support local startups and young entrepreneurs.

Programs at the 2018 market are both fun and educational and geared towards the whole family. There will be a children's tent with parent-led activities each week, and every second Saturday kids can enjoy POPP (Power of Produce and Protein), a program kids can receive Market Bucks for attending. They can use those Market Bucks for any protein or produce option at the market. Taste of the Market and cooking demonstrations are making a comeback, along with beloved events like a tomato tasting and judging in July, the Youth and Corn Festival in August, and Celebration of the Arts with Union County Arts Council in September.

In keeping with the market theme of "Where the Community Meets," there will be Meet the Candidates days the third Saturdays of May, June and July, with candidates for local offices invited to the market to speak with the public.

But while outreach to the public is important to the market, it's also a place for farmers to network, exchange ideas, and receive education from UT Extension. These programs have included sessions on post-harvest food safety, grant and cost-share workshops in conjunction with NRCS and the Center for Profitable Agriculture, and an educational networking partnership with the Pick Tennessee Products Conference.

"It's increased awareness of farmers as to what is available," said Bergeron.

But most of all, Bergeron encouraged everyone to visit the market and enjoy the atmosphere.

"We think it's fun. The vendors all enjoy each other's company, and everyone's sociable," she said. "Come down and visit us. Come see what's going on."

She invited shoppers to let the farmers and the Extension Office know if there are items they'd like to see at the market. Volunteers of all ability levels are always needed, as are sponsors for POPP Club. The first POPP Club of the year is sponsored by Ashely Moore Concrete Company, earning them a spot in the market newsletter.

For information or to volunteer, call the UT Extension Office at 865-992-8038 or visit the market Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/UnionCountyFarmersMarket/.