Tailgate market ready to bloom in and around Asheville

Press release here:

There’s no better way to welcome spring than going to a farmers tailgate market. Markets begin reopening in April, offering not only the freshest local products, but a chance to reconnect with neighbors and the people who grow your food, and enjoy free outdoor activities. The Asheville City Market’s downtown location at 161 South Charlotte Street opens on Saturday, April 17, 8:00a.m.-1:00p.m., and a schedule of many more markets in Buncombe County and all around the region follows.

“After such a dreary winter, I’m so looking forward to fresh produce and farmers markets’ simple pleasures like eating a fresh strawberry in the sunshine,” says market patron Brook Thompson. The first markets’ tables will display many varieties of greens, radishes, peas, asparagus, and other signs of spring. You can always shop tailgate markets for eggs; meats, many of them grass fed and naturally raised; baked goods, sweet and savory; preserves such as jellies and dressings; and crafts. Ever more diverse markets now carry prepared foods such as mustards, frozen meals, pasta, kimchi, and tempeh too. For those who want to grow their own food, markets offer plant starts.

Another market supporter, Emily Jackson, says she goes to the farmers market for edible treats she can’t get anywhere else–“croissants from Dave, and cowgirl cookies from Amy.” (She’s referring to the owners of Farm and Sparrow and Sweet Heart Bakery by name.)  Additionally, she goes “to catch up with the farmers who grow my food, and all the people who gather at markets who I haven’t seen over the winter.”  Creating a festive atmosphere, Sherri Lynn & Mountain Friends Band will start off the season of live music performances at Asheville City Market’s downtown location on April 17. Many other markets provide live music and activities.

Also on opening day, April 17, Asheville City Market will team up with Greenworks and host the One Stop Drop Recycling Bazaar. The Bazaar is a community drop-off  for hard to recycle materials including Styrofoam, rechargeable batteries, expired pharmaceuticals, plastic plant pots, moving boxes, computers, #5 plastics, and cell phones. Dispose of your recyclables responsibly throughout market hours. 

“Come to the market and do good, by buying locally (and recycling). And have a good time too,” Market Manager Mike McCreary urges. “Winter is over. Let’s celebrate.”

Find the farmers tailgate market in your community on the list below, or by visiting www.buyappalachian.org. The nonprofit organization Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) organizes Asheville City Market, and provides support for farmers markets throughout Western North Carolina.

For more information on Greenworks’ One Stop Drop Recycling Bazaar, visit ashevillegreenworks.org.