Ready for the farmer’s market season?

Officials with the Downtown Elizabethton Farmer’s Market are ready to help prepare the public for their 2018 installment by offering a “Tales & Tasting” event with the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library on Monday, May 14, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Capitalizing off last year’s inaugural season, DEFM is partnering with the library to give the public a sneak peek of what will be at the market this season, including baked goods, jams, jellies and other local items.

An added bonus from the event is a special meet-and-greet with local author and DEFM gluten-free goods vendor Susan Crowther. The vendor will share stories from her book “The No-Recipe Cookbook,” which encourages the public to think “local and seasonal” when it comes to cooking.

Monday’s event falls in line with what the market hopes to accomplish within the community. Donica Krebs, DEFM market manager, recently told the Elizabethton Star that the market wants to serve as a way to bring in extra tourism to the downtown area but to also encourage the public to support local vendors and encourage healthier lifestyles.

Members of the DEFM will be readily available over this month as they prepare for their 2018 launch — Tuesday, June 5, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the city parking lot on F Street beside the police and fire departments.

The DEFM will take place each Tuesday from June until September, pending any weather delays. Various food and artisan craft vendors, along with entertainment, will be on hand each Tuesday.

Until the launch date, the DEFM board is encouraging the public to stay active with the market via social media. Email defarmersmarket@gmail.com or visit the Downtown Elizabethton Farmer’s Market for more information. Additional events offered at the library can also be discovered by visiting their Facebook page or stopping by their downtown location.