For the past five years, the Madison County Farmers Market has been a popular weekly fixture on the Eastern Kentucky University campus.
On Thursday, Aug. 9, the University will host three local markets, as both 859 Local and the Berea Farmers Market will join the festivities in celebration of National Farmers Market Week.
The three-in-one event, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Alumni Coliseum Parking Lot, will also include live music, giveaways (including four $50 Farmers Market Bucks) and box lunches (all under $10) from GiGi’s.
Typically, the Madison County Farmers Market brings in approximately a dozen vendors, and at least five vendors are expected from each of the other two markets on Aug. 9. “Bringing in vendors from the other markets will add to the organic, sustainable and earth-friendly vegetable and meat options that are currently available every week,” said Tammy Cornett, employee wellness coordinator for EKU. “Local chefs, including a Baptist Health chef, will also be joining us to sample fresh what the farmers bring to market.”
Cornett noted that vegetable production is “now at its peak, with corn, beans, tomatoes and melons in full swing. We are fortunate to already have non-GMO pork and beef and free-range chickens, turkeys, quail, duck and rabbits available, and eggs from all the layers available.”
Madison County Extension Horticulture Agent Amanda Sears added, “We are blessed here in Madison County to have a thriving local foods economy but, just as importantly, to have producers and farmers who are willing to work together.”
After a week off, the University’s weekly Fall Farmers Market will move to Irvine McDowell Park beginning Thursday, Aug. 23.