The Franklin Farmers Tailgate Market celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, with a legacy of providing the town with locally grown food from area farmers, honey from beekeepers, and handmade items from skilled craftspeople and bakers.
A quarter of a century ago, a few farmers first began gathering in Franklin on Saturday mornings to sell excess produce. From there, a board for the Franklin Farmers Tailgate Market was established to focus on selling high quality, local ingredients and food, according to one of the Market’s current organizers, Paul Chew. However, the focus has evolved to allow for more varied items to be sold by the vendors.
“Buying at local farmers markets supports local, sustainable agriculture and keeps money in the community, which fosters business,” said Chew. “This rule within the market has changed to allow crafts that reflect an agricultural/rural way of life. This flexibility in the rules has allowed vendors to expand upon their original products. You may find flowers from one’s garden, home-baked treats, handmade bowls and utensils, candles, and body soap or lotion, alongside a vendor’s other produce or products. While the vendors put incredible effort into the fresh or handmade items they bring to the market, for many this is not the main source of income, but instead something they are truly passionate about.”
The Market’s board has also worked in conjunction with the N.C. Cooperative Extension Macon County Center “for many years,” according to Chew. He explained the way the Market has worked over the years.
“Decisions are voted on by the members. Board members carry out the day-to-day market operation, including putting up signs, taking new applications, and placing ads in local papers or radio spots,” said Chew.
New vendors are always welcome to apply to showcase produce and wares during the year-round market that takes place every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
“The current fee is $35 for the entire year,” explained Chew. “Anyone can try out the market for $10 for the first week if you just want to see how it goes. Most prospective vendors come to the Market to learn more about becoming a vendor or contact the Extension Office. They can also contact me directly at (828) 342-2137.”
From shopper to vendor
Chew is originally from Georgia, where he established Talking Rock, his own organic farm.
“When I first came to the Franklin area, I didn’t have a garden, so I began shopping at the Market,” said Chew. “Having owned and operated an organic farm in Georgia, I enjoyed just coming and purchasing food from someone else. After I established my garden/farm here, I began bringing excess produce to sell.”
Chew began to relish the opportunity to bring his extra produce and to develop a relationship with the locals and other farmers.
“The market is the highlight of the week for most local farmers or gardeners. It is the time to share what you have grown out of the earth through some effort and fun as well.”
The market is located in a city-owned parking lot on Palmer Street, behind Main Street. Chew commented that during set-up of the market, the close relationship between the vendors is obvious.
“The first thing you notice when you arrive is that other vendors are eager and happy to help you set up your canopy. This can be tough at times, and extra help is welcome.”
The local vendors not only offer to help each other with setting up, but Chew mentioned that he has received help with preparing his produce for sale.
“I usually have a lot of salad mix when the weather is right. I put two tables together with a sheet on the top, dump out all the bags of salad, and then with the help of another vendor, we toss the salad over and over until it is thoroughly mixed. The salad mix goes back into large bags and is then added to a large hand-carved wooden bowl as needed. Customers purchase large or small bags.”
About more than selling
“I would say, the majority of vendors at the market have other jobs or are retired,” noted Chew. “So, what they do may be more of a passion than an economy. Their goal is to bring homemade goodness to the folks who live here. Many folks talk about the farm their grandparents or family once had and the gardens they helped in growing up. The Franklin Farmers Tailgate Market is a good place to reminisce about days gone by.
“We enjoy talking with locals, those passing through, and those who live here part-time,” said Chew. “If I don’t recognize someone, I usually ask them if they are new to the Market. If they are here for a short time, I try to give them suggestions for what they might do during their stay. The market is a relaxed place to visit and chat with people that come. Most vendors have their regulars that come most weeks.”
Another vendor, Tom Peeling, expressed, “One thing that I noticed is that people are so appreciative that we are here. They love having somewhere they can buy this stuff.” His wife, Becky, added, “We don’t need to do this, but it’s a social thing, we enjoy it. We love living here and we want to support the local farmers too, we are doing our little part.”
Chew added that the relationship between vendor and customer allows for a personalized and thorough shopping experience. “One advantage of farmers markets is that folks can ask questions about how their food is grown. Is it organic or conventional? When was it harvested? Products are seasonal, so customers can look forward to when products will be available, unlike the grocery store.”