In what seemed like a flash, months of preparation has quickly turned into mere days for Donica Krebs and other members of the Downtown Elizabethton Farmer’s Market (DEFM) Board.
The market manager added the public will be busy opening day for the market — scheduled for Tuesday, May 23, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the parking lot off East F Street between First Christian Church and the Elizabethton Police Department.
“Crops are seasonal, so it depends,” Krebs said about the amount of vendors currently signed up for the market. “We have over 20, which is great. For our opening day, we’re looking at having around 16 to 17 vendors available. There’ll be a variety of vendors for people that stop by … ranging from bakers, coat makers, meats, eggs and we also plan on having Kelly Strickland and the Dusty Travelers on opening night. We’re excited about the market season.”
Krebs added the market can have some flexibility with their vendors. While bulk vendors have already paid in advance, Krebs added there could be possibilities through the season for vendors to take part in the festivities.
DEFM will last every Tuesday from May 23 to October 31 from 5 to 8 p.m.
With so much work put in, Krebs said there was too much to say about the supporters.
“There’s so much to say about the public support,” she added. “We can’t thank everyone enough. The Downtown Business Association, Chamber of Commerce and Tammy (Taylor) from the Elizabethton UPS and United Way just to name a few. Ascend Yoga and Fitness, right across the road from the Coffee Company, just opened up and are still looking to help out.”
Variety is key for the market moving forward, Krebs said, adding the vendors had a market meeting recently and the amount of variety was one of the key selling points for the market.
Entertainment opportunities are also open for area performers. The DEFM will have entertainment for patrons. Blue River Studio, located in Historic Downtown Elizabethton on Armed Forces Drive, is coordinating all the entertainment.
A tent will also be provided for musicians and performers. Krebs added the market is asking for acoustic musicians only with electricity not guaranteed.
Anybody looking to perform during the market can visit Blue River Studio during the store hours, email blueriverstudiollc@gmail.com or call (423) 213-5060.
Krebs added the vendor opportunities are still available for businesses. For more information, visit one of the market dates, contact Krebs at defarmersmarket@gmail.com or visit the Downtown Elizabethton Farmer’s Market Facebook page online.