Join us on Saturday, May 22, as the Union County Farmers Market kicks off our Nourish Kids program. This will be the second season that the market has partnered with Nourish Knoxville to present this program. Through a grant, Nourish Knoxville has been able to assist markets like ours throughout East Tennessee, providing materials and Produce Bucks making this program possible.

Maynardville welcomes a new business, 5 Sister Variety, to the community. Adrian Hamilton, along with daughter Stephanie, recently opened the storefront in the Food City Plaza. Upon entering the store, you can be sure a smile and a willingness to help awaits.

There is a little country store packed with vintage goods, antiques, homemade soaps and love opening in the Corryton community. The little slice of a country market, called Becky’s Hen House, will host a Grand Opening event on Saturday, September 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring the family out, discover the new business, and be treated to complimentary hot dogs, chips, drinks, and cookies, not to mention a chance to shop at Snow Cone Eddie with his legendary snow cones and Ada Bee’s Boutique with clothing, hats and jewelry.

As Reese Witherspoon says, “My rule is, if it’s not moving, monogram it!”, and that is exactly what Candace Russell, owner of Sweet Southern Creations in Maynardville, instills in her trade. Her business of customizing, designing, and personalizing continues to trend and thrive after three years and running.

Candace creates personalized and custom apparel and embroiders bags, hats, and well, like Reese says, anything that isn’t moving. Her business is located at her home in the Big Ridge community. Maynardville is her hometown and where her heart and family lies.

Maynardville welcomingly introduces a new business into the community, Walker’s Appliances. Clint Walker and wife Mandi bring much knowledge, experience and service to the community. Clint grew up in the furniture industry, as his parents owned Mynatt’s Furniture store in Halls, and Mandi grew up in the Gibbs community. Later, Clint transitioned from furniture into appliance sales and service, gaining some of his experience while working in maintenance at an apartment complex. He soon advanced, working for an appliance store for some years as a service tech.

An outdoor farmers market, like the Union County Farmers Market at Wilson Park, is a wonderful place for a family outing. It should be fun for everyone and a fabulous learning experience for your children. The variety of sights, sounds and smells at the market automatically engage your child’s senses and are a fun way to foster curiosity, teach important skills and encourage them to think about where their food comes from. A few ideas to help you get started on a family outing to the market follow.