Downtown Valdosta Welcomes an Improved Farm Days

Valdosta Main Street will kick off its seventh annual Downtown Valdosta Farm Days on April 8 and is seeking new and returning vendors who produce high quality, locally grown and hand-crafted items within our region.

This year, the location of the market will be in the 100 block of E. Valley Street (behind the historic courthouse). The new location is one of many changes implemented for the 2017 season that will make the event more enjoyable for vendors and participants.

The number of months that the market will be open has also been extended. During the spring season, the market will be open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturday every month through June 24. During the fall, the market will reopen again from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturday every month Sept. 9 until Nov. 25.

Other changes will include cooking demonstrations that will be held on the second Saturday, as well as a new booth that will feature a local non-profit from the community on each market Saturday.

As in past years, Farm Days vendors will continue to offer a variety of goods for sale which include locally-grown, locally-raised, locally-produced fruits and vegetables, plants, herbs, meats, farm-fresh eggs and dairy products. Organic produce, baked and prepared foods, snacks, coffee and other favorites will also be available. Patrons will find a variety of artisan and natural products such as recycled goods, birdhouses, handmade soaps and body products, candles, and honey products, as well.

"We believe the changes to the 2017 Farm Days event will be positive for the market and will increase the amount of vendors and community involvement," said Main Street Director Ellen Hill. "We are so fortunate to have this venue that allows local producers to gather in one place for the economic and health benefits of our community."

Farm Days will also serve as a venue to educate the community on healthy local options. Information for promoting healthy eating habits will be available at the event to emphasize the correlation between food choices and the impact they have on the general health and environment. In addition, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants can use their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to purchase market goods.

Vendors will only pay $15 per market or $20 for the month. Applications and fee schedules for artisans, food purveyors, and farmers are available at http://valdostamainstreet.com/activities/farm-days. Contact the Valdosta Main Street office at 229-259-3577 or msmith@valdostacity.com for more information.