Consider it the perfect circle for the Downtown Elizabethton Farmers Market.
To complement the various vendors, the market is seeking performers to showcase their craft in the coming weeks. The market is every Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. on East F Street in the parking lot of First Christian Church and will go until October 31.
Seeing the turnout so far this year has been a joy, according to DEFM Board member Josh McKinney.
“We’ve been drawing between 150 to 450 people each night,” McKinney told the Elizabethton Star. “It’s been great to see the support. During the hotter months, we tend to see more. We’re averaging around 14-16 vendors.”
During each market, a tent is provided for performers. Different acts can take the stage, including music, performing arts and storytelling. Blue River Studio handles the performance booking for the market.
“They’ve been incredible partners,” McKinney said about Blue River Studio, an art studio located in downtown. “They are the ones that are really making this happen. We’re grateful for all the work that’s been put into this year’s market.”
Having the ability to showcase different performers completes the circle of goals the market is aiming to achieve, according to McKinney.
“I will say our mission as a farmers market is to provide healthy foods for our community. It is to highlight our local farmers, increase traffic downtown … but it is also about promoting our heritage. That’s where the music and arts really come together and complete the circle of what we want the farmers market to be for the community.”
Expect some growth next year with the DEFM looking at being able to pay performers thanks in part to the a grant that was received from the Tennessee Arts Commission.
“That’s something we’re looking at next year, since that’s when we expect the funds to be available,” McKinney said. “Everyone that performs this year has taken their time to show up. It’s a great opportunity for them to reach a large crowd. With all the work our performers do, we want a way to give back to them and it is something we’re really excited about moving forward.”
Interested performers that want to take part in this year’s market can either send an email to blueriverstudiollc@gmail.com or call (423) 213-5060.
With just a few months remaining for its inaugural year, DEFM is offering special events each Tuesday. The market was able to hold a cornhole contest last week, McKinney added.
Organizations, ranging from nonprofits, businesses and churches, also have an opportunity to sponsor one night. The sponsorship includes a free booth rental and the opportunity to reach hundreds with their organization’s message.
“We still have spots available for sponsorships,” McKinney said.
For more information on the market, visit the Downtown Elizabethton Farmers Market Facebook page online or search other social media platforms.