News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Sparta Green Market is expecting lots of veggies and local produce to sell this Friday evening.
Manager Amanda Dunsmore said that among the crop available for customers, blueberries are the biggest hit.
“The crop is looking awesome especially for berries,” Dunsmore said. “So we have a farm especially bringing blueberries this year and they are huge. They’ve got a really great crop. Lots of rain and cooler temperatures this summer have led to a really great harvest.”
Dunsmore said that they will also have squash, zucchini, tomatoes, and for this month, sweet corn.
She said that Sparta Green Market is unique because it’s more than just a market for local produce. She said they’ll have live music, a beer garden, homemade soaps, and a balloon animal professional as well. She said that the Sparta Green Market is a way to support local businesses in White County make a strong comeback after a tough last year.
“People really started looking closer to home to fulfill their food needs and to support these small businesses,” Dunsmore said. “Everything that you’re buying at the Sparta Green Market is either grown, produced, made, or harvested here in White County or surrounding counties adjoining White County. So you’re supporting a local family, which is a great thing.”
Dunsmore said that Sparta Green Market is in its fifth season and that its distinctive night-time atmosphere has taken an effect on the surrounding businesses.
“One of the other cool things that happens at the same time as the Sparta Green Market is that local shops in Sparta stay open later than they typically do,” Dunsmore said. “A lot of shops in Sparta around 5 o’clock, but during the Sparta Green Market they’re open later, so that allows people who are new to the city to experience those shops that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to get to.”
The market will be open from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. this Friday, July 18. Dunsmore said that most vendors will take either cash or card.
