Support local.

That’s the message being promoted by the Downtown Elizabethton Farmer’s Market as organizers are just days away from presenting the 2018 installment to the public.

For the second consecutive year, the DEFM will be held every Tuesday — starting June 5 — at the grassy area near the Elizabethton Fire Department – located beside First Christian Church near F Street. Market hours are 4 to 8 p.m. each evening with the final day of the market set for Tuesday, Sept. 25.

“We really haven’t done as much advertising compared to last year since people are starting to know where we are,” said Donica Krebs, DEFM manager. “It’s been great to see feedback from the public. One of the best things about this year is seeing interest from some of the well-known vendors. This year, they’re starting to talk about us, and that’s great. The market is starting to be seen as a way for vendors to stop by and sell their products because of the support from the community.”

After a successful 2017 season, the applications for vendors this year actually peaked compared to last year. Krebs mentioned that applications have been sent in as recently as Thursday evening and that spots for this year happened to fill up quick.

“For our opening day, we’re looking to have 15 vendors,” she explained. “Two to three are artisan vendors that will sell items like handcrafted jewelry, pottery, leatherwork and the rest of the vendors will be selling their produce.”

Vendors are expected to regularly change up during the DEFM due to seasonal items, Krebs said. While spots filled up quickly, the manager indicated that the majority of vendors part of the market is split between Carter County and Washington County.

“I would say it’s primarily half Carter County, half Washington County and we’ll have a few vendors from Greene County and near the North Carolina border,” Krebs said. “That’s been the biggest focus of the market. Our goal is to make sure we promote local products from local vendors within Carter County and adjoining communities.”

Krebs stated that the goal of the market is to not only promote local vendors, but to promote downtown Elizabethton as an area for visitors to come in throughout the week.

And to assist the cause, don’t expect any delays for the 2018 season. Krebs stated that a partnership with First Christian Church has ensured that the market will still happen during inclement weather. The church reportedly gave the OK for the market to be held inside their gym in case rain hits the area.

“We really appreciate the help,” Krebs said.

Entertainment opportunities, ranging from musical performances to storytelling, are also available during each farmer’s market. Individuals looking to perform can contact Blue River Studio, located in downtown Elizabethton.

For more information on the market, the public is encouraged to view the Downtown Elizabethton Farmer’s Market pages on Instagram and Facebook. Updates and photos will be regularly posted on each DEFM social media account.