With the official start date finalized, pieces are being put together for the second installment of the Downtown Elizabethton Farmer’s Market.

DEFM Manager Donica Krebs recently announced the market’s kickoff date is set for Tuesday, June 5, at 4 p.m. at the city parking lot of F Street near the fire and police departments.

Anticipation has grown since last year’s inaugural event and Krebs added that the community has made the voices heard about what they wanted to see after taking an online survey involving the market.

“Last year was a great season for the market,” Krebs recently told the Elizabethton Star. “It was great to hear the community’s feedback over the winter months as we continue to make changes and revamp everything for the 2018 season. We are thankful for the community support and will work to make this better for the public and become an event that can draw in more people for the community.”

DEFM hours will go from 4 to 8 p.m. each Tuesday until Sept. 25. The hours are extended compared to last year while the date was moved up to better suit vendors.

Spots still remain for artisan craft vendors. Kreb mentioned the addition of the artisan-based items is to answer a response from the public and that the market will be ready to handle the items, along with the food vendors.

“In our first year, the board decided to keep the market ‘majority food items’ because we didn’t have the organizational manpower to facilitate artisan crafts,” she said. “This year, we have made accommodations for Appalachian artists to share their skills. This includes musicians or storytellers who would like to perform live during market hours.”

Interested craft or food vendors can apply for the market by picking up the 2018 rules and application for the DEFM at the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce. Vendors can email defarmersmarket@gmail.com or the Chamber of Commerce’s website for a digital copy. All applications can be returned either to the Chamber office or scanned by email to the DEFM email.

Performers are also encouraged to sign up to perform at the event. Blue River Studio, located in downtown Elizabethton, is handling the registration. Individuals wanting to perform can call (423) 213-5060 for more information.

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