Fresh produce grown from our county is just around the corner and a short drive away. For years, Calloway County has been privileged with two farmer’s markets: Downtown Saturday Market and The Farmer’s Market of Murray-Calloway County.
Farmers, producers and vendors gather together to sell their products to the locals. Products at both markets range according to season, from fresh fruits and vegetables to meats, bread, eggs and general produce. The markets provide the farmers with a sales outlet while providing the public with fresh produce and products from their area.
The Downtown Saturday Market will be celebrating its 14-year anniversary this year upon opening May 12. It will be open every Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon on the court square in Murray until Oct. 27. It offers growers a sales outlet, shoppers more choice and variety than a super market and it brings the community together.
Deana Wright, program director of Murray Main Street, said it is reminiscent of Trade Day in Murray.
“It is our way of bringing back downtown Murray,” Wright said. The market strives to keep the history of Murray alive, providing an avenue for local farmers and crafters to sell their products without a business, Wright said. The court square allows for easy parking and works with businesses downtown, Wright said.
The Downtown Saturday Market will work with Murray State University’s Counting Down Office to host Wednesday markets on campus in the month of September. The market has a Facebook page and can be found by searching, “The Downtown Saturday Market.”
“Things are looking good this season. If the weather continues to cooperate, things will be good,” said Todd Powell, a representative for the Farmer’s Market of Murray-Calloway County.
Powell said the Farmer’s Market, located at the Calloway County Fairgrounds will open Friday, May 25.
“We are changing the dates; we will no longer be open on Saturdays,” Powell said. “We will begin with Fridays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and later will open the Tuesday market.”
All natural grass-fed beef, free-range chicken eggs and organic pork are among the non-produce items at The Farmer’s Market, Powell said.
General produce available will vary through the summer, depending on what is in season and producing at the time, Powell said.
The Farmer’s Market can be found on Facebook by searching, “Farmer’s Market of Murray-Calloway County.”
“I’ve been to both, but I like the downtown market better since there is more available,” said Hannah Hendon, a resident of Murray. “It is a plus that I live closer to the Downtown Market than the Farmer’s Market, because you have to get their early when they open to get the good stuff that there is a limited amount of.”