Senior couple shopping vegetables and fruits on the market. Healthy diet.

ANDOR BUJDOSO.

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After months of planning, the newly revamped Tishomingo County Farmers Market kicks off the season with a grand opening this Friday at 4 p.m. in Downtown Iuka’s Jaybird Park.
Scheduled for every Friday evening through the summer, market organizers are aiming to have an event with the theme “creating community around food,” and to have a shopping time interested buyers can count on and easily attend. In previous years, it was hard to catch vendors who still had anything to sell by even 8 a.m. There will be no sales until 4 p.m. each Friday, ensuring everyone interested has a fair chance to buy. Market hours are from 4-7 p.m. and there’s live music and a petting zoo planned this week.
In addition, organizers have courted many unique vendors selling everything from fresh, regionally grown produce, to beef and fresh cut flowers. There’s a Facebook page that on Thursdays will have a general list of those planning to attend each week’s Friday event.
“It’s still early in the year, but as farmers’ and gardeners’ produce starts to come in, this market will grow accordingly,” said organizer Deb Daniel. “We are still in the ‘just planted’ stage, like many gardens, and will reach our full potential as the summer goes on.”
“What is coming will be diverse and varied – I’ve been amazed at what folks cultivate just in our area. Small hobby farms are doing some big things,” said Daniel.
Visitors are urged to bring cash for payments, and a reusable shopping bag for all the goodies they will buy. If you also stash a cooler in your car to keep your produce cool, and bring a lawn chair, you can stay a while to enjoy the fellowship and music.
For more information call 423-7016 or check their Facebook page.