Those along Lake Martin will soon have a new place to shop for fresh produce, local goods and artisan works alike.
The Lake Martin Mini Mall is hosting The Local Farmers and Artisan Market for the first time this March. Right now, the market managers have vendor applications in for fresh vegetables, jams and jellies, pickles, eggs, baked goods, meats, honey, soaps, flowers and freeze-dried candy with hopes for crochet items, woodworking, hat makers and potters to come.
For those selling produce, the farmer needs to grow at least 70% of what they are selling.
“People are looking for fresh produce or as fresh as you can get it,” market manager Melissa Palmer with Palmer Farm explained.
Meanwhile the artisans featured will focus on handmade works or upscaled pieces. There also will be food trucks and live music at the markets. The aim is to create a hub for local products and for farmers and artisans to connect with people in the community.
“One of the main purposes we always strive for around our store here is bringing the community together and this is just another way to bring our community together,” market manager Jason Left with Lake Martin Mini Mall said.
The Local Market will have a curated selection of vendors for each market date so that there is a variety of products. While the market begins in March, it will run all the way through to December.
“We will still be accepting vendors until our last market because our last market will be a Christmas market,” market manager Allyson Andrews with Wildly Blessed said. “The vendors we have in March, our first market, might not have items to sell in December and the people who want to come in December may not be able to be here in March.”
The managers also aim to post in advance what vendors will be at the upcoming markets so attendees will know who to expect. The link to become a vendor is also posted on Lake Martin Mini Mall’s Facebook page.
The full schedule of The Local Market is as follows:
• March 23 Spring Party from 2 to 8 p.m.
• April 12 from 2 to 7 p.m.
• April 26 from 2 to 7 p.m.
• May 10 from 2 to 7 p.m.
• May 24 Memorial Day Weekend from 2 to 7 p.m.
• May 25 Memorial Day Weekend from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• June 14 from 2 to 7 p.m.
• June 28 Independence Day Weekend from 2 to 7 p.m.
• June 29 Independence Day Weekend from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• July 12 from 2 to 7 p.m.
• July 26 from 2 to 7 p.m.
• August 30 Labor Day Weekend from 2 to 7 p.m.
• August 31 Labor Day Weekend from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Sept. 27 Fall Market from 2 to 7 p.m.
• Sept. 28 Fall Market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• October 19 Fall Party 2 to 8 p.m.
• December 14 Christmas Party 2 to 8 p.m.