The Fall Market Season - It's On!

The farmers have responded that they're ready to begin the fall market season.

WE'LL BE OPEN ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 FROM 8 TO 10 AM BEHIND THE CLEVELAND POST OFFICE.

Come on out and support your local farmers!

Fall Market Update

Once again the summer season has flown by. There's been a bit of confusion about the "end" of the market. Here's the scoop: The summer season is done. It was fantastic but it's over now. The fall season is creeping up on us. That means greens, pumpkins, fall and winter squashes, eggs, and more are coming but we've got to give them time to grow. So, the Cleveland Farmers Market will not be open over Labor Day weekend (Sept. 5) and the opening date for the fall market will be determined by what's available to sell whenever it's ready. Therefore, the next potential market is Saturday, September 12. We'll get the news around the internet and newspapers if we'll have markets in September.

Meet our dietician!

Mae Gasmido, a dietician from Bolivar Medical Center, was at the August 8 market, answering questions and handing out information about healthy eating habits.

We've had a great August so far. The crowds have been good. The abundance of purple hull peas, butterbeans, okra, watermelons, and cantaloupes has been even better!

Farming in the News

The New York Times has an article about the rise of backyard poultry across America. Of course, you don't need to get your own chickens to have farm fresh eggs. Just come to the market every Saturday!

July Market Summary

A friendly crowd of regular customers gathers at the Friends Tent.

In July, the Cleveland Farmers Market had a phenomenal month. The July 18 and July 25 markets each had 200 people attend! Every tent and table in the shed was set up to accommodate all of the vendors that came. In the history of the Cleveland Farmers Market, we've never had such amazing turnouts by customers and vendors.

Check out the sign in the top right corner of the picture on top. The Mississippi Department of Agriculture has raised our status to a "certified" Mississippi farmers market. This significant acknowledgment is thanks to the tireless work of farmers, customers, and volunteers. Well done to all!

Mr. Smitty chats with a customer.

The Cleveland Farmers Market is a proud partner with the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Every July, participants in the WIC program receive coupons to spend at the Cleveland Farmers Market. This year, the market has three new vendors that signed up for the program, bringing the total number of vendors up to 8. By working with the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, the CFM continues its mission of providing fresh produce to all segments of the Delta community.

Welcome to the Murphys! They're new vendors from Boyle.

Not only did the CFM get more customers and vendors but it also got generous support from Bolivar Medical Center. Bolivar Medical Center is committed to the care and improvement of its patients' lives. It's a natural fit that a medical facility would promote eating more fresh fruits and vegetables as part of its preventative health measures. Thank you, Bolivar Medical Center!

Cam McMillen, one of the founders of the CFM, and Molly Shaman from the Master Gardener program chat at the Friends Tent. Cam brought her delicious chocolate chip zucchini muffins that day.

In August, we're planning lots of special events: a cooking demonstration (August 22), a benefit art sale (August 29), another bake sale (TBA), a special "Dog Days of Summer" events for our four-legged friends (TBA), and more. Be on the lookout for updates of these events.

We can always use more volunteers for the Friends Tent. It's a fun way to spend a Saturday morning!

The early bird crowd!

Remember that we are a RAIN OR SHINE market so don't hesitate to visit the market even if it's raining!

Music at the Market

All musicians are welcome to come to the market and play. It would be awesome to have more people share their talents.

July 18 Market Re-Cap

Another great weekend for the Cleveland Farmers Market. We almost reached 200 people! The okra went fast on Saturday. I guess the early bird gets the okra.

Exciting news for the market - It's been certified by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture. This certification puts the CFM into a different category of farmers market and recognizes the hard work of all of the farmers and volunteers.

We're going to have a very busy August with cooking demonstrations, another charity bake sale, an art sale, and more. We have friends scheduled for the tent for Aug. 1 and Aug. 8. If you've got the time, we would love to fill in the last three weekends in August. Contact me.

See you this Saturday!