Kingsport Farmers Market

Season officially kicks off May 1, safety protocols still in place

The Kingsport Farmers Market will begin its 2021 season on Saturday, April 24. The season officially kicks off on May 1, with some fun activities to get you in the farmers market mood.

“We are glad to welcome people back to the market this season,” said Kristie Leonard, market manager and Special Events Coordinator for Kingsport. “This last year has given us all a new appreciation for local goods and services, and the Kingsport Farmers Market is one of the best places to shop local.”

Market goers should prepare to follow similar safety protocols as last year, as long as the Kingsport Farmers Market and Sullivan County Regional Health Department deem them necessary. The market has designated, clearly marked entry and exit points, as well as signage inside the market to help visitors navigate the layout. To create adequate space between vendors, parking has been modified. Overflow parking is available in the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce lot.

The CDC and the SCRHD recommend that people wear masks when visiting public places like the market. Anyone who needs to redeem SNAP benefits may do so at the market kiosk.

Preparing for your visit
– If you feel sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, stay home.
– Be alert and follow all posted signage in the market.
– Maintain at least six feet of space between yourself and others. Look for physical cues like tape,
chalk and signage to help you remember.
– Be prepared to shop quickly and efficiently.
– Only touch produce you intend to purchase. Allow vendors to help you with produce.
– Wash all produce when you arrive home.
– Please respect vendors by leaving adequate space between yourself and them. Do not go
behind a vendor table.
– Wash and sanitize your hands often.

On May 1, join the market for a celebration of the new season, featuring live music from Mike Milhorn and friends. Leadership Kingsport, in partnership with Appalachian Sustainable Development, will also host “Diggin’ in the Dirt.” During two free sessions at 9 and 10:30 a.m., participants will get to transplant either tomato or sunflower seedlings from trays into pots to take home, while supplies last. Leadership Kingsport will also have educational posts on display and an interactive, educational produce-sorting game available 9 a.m. to noon.

Wednesday markets will begin on May 5. To learn more about the Kingsport Farmers Market, please visit kingsportfarmersmarket.org.

About the Kingsport Farmers Market

The Kingsport Farmers Market, part of the City of Kingsport, manages the weekly markets at the Kingsport Farmers Market facility. The Kingsport Farmers Market’s mission is to provide a vibrant, diverse market place for local and regional farmers and artisans to sell their products to the Kingsport community.

About the City of Kingsport

Founded in 1917, the City of Kingsport (pop. 53,000) is located on the Tennessee-Virginia border at the crossroads of I-81 and I-26 near the geographic center of the eastern U.S. The city is widely known as a planned community, designed by renowned city planner John Nolen and wrapping around the foot of Bays Mountain – a 3,500-acre park, nature preserve, planetarium and observatory. Kingsport is recognized as an International Safe Community by the National Safety Council, a Healthier Tennessee community, and won the 2009 Harvard Innovations in American Government Award for its higher education initiatives. While many city names are duplicated throughout the U.S., there’s only one Kingsport – a fact that invokes community pride, known locally as the “Kingsport Spirit.”

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