Every Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m., the gravel back lot of Ooltewah Nursery and Landscape transforms from an empty space into a farmers market that specializes in products produced by local farms and food artisans. On Thursday, March 31, 13 foldable tables stand under the warming sun, decorated with tablecloths and sporting colorful blackboards and laminated signs displaying their business names and the products available. Spread on these tables are a cornucopia of edible and handcrafted goods.
Some tables offer seasonal veggies and greens, while others are dedicated to artisan cheeses and dairy products like cow, sheep and goat milk. Another table sports a wide variety of gourmet and medicinal mushrooms, jams, jellies and syrups while the booth next to it sells herbs, meats and locally roasted coffee. Kettle corn, homemade sourdough and handcrafted soaps are also among the multitude of products being sold at the market.
Angel Miller, the market manager and founder of the Ooltewah Farmers Market, sits at her own table with signs reminding shoppers of the extended summer hours from 3 to 6 p.m. starting in April. The table also displays info for the upcoming “Spring Fling” event on April 7 and 14. According to Miller, there will be an arts and crafts show those days as well as a door prize drawing every 15 minutes to celebrate the start of the tenth season for the market.
The Ooltewah Farmers market originally opened in April of 2013 as a community service initiative by the Ooltewah Nursery.
“It’s a way that the nursery can use the 16 acres that God has blessed us with to give back to the community,” said Miller about the lot. “It’s a wonderful situation where we can support local family farms — which are family-owned agricultural businesses just like the nursery — as well as serve as a platform and an opportunity where people can come in and have access to healthy fresh vegetables and produce.”
According to Miller, the types of booths and business selling at the farmers market vary naturally with the season.
“For example, strawberry season will be coming up soon,” Miller said, “and we have three strawberry producers including Smith-Perry Berries who will soon be attending the market with their fresh strawberries.”
Kayla Dean is one of the many food artisans who participates in the farmers market. For five years now, she and five of her daughters have run their business, The Cupcake Club and More, at the Ooltewah Farmers Market. Dean’s business specializes in creating food conscious possibilities and makes over 125 flavors of cake, 40 different types of pies and cupcakes in many different flavors.
“Our products can be gluten-free, soy-free, corn-free, peanut-free, have no sweeteners, no artificial flavors or colors, preservatives, and cater to specific allergy panels,” Dean said. “We’re located in Cleveland, but we make it a point to drive to the Ooltewah Farmers Market because it is one of the few year-round markets in the area.”
Dean likes the Ooltewah Farmers Market because of its purpose and sense of community.
“We are like a community within a community that seeks to serve the needs of those in the area,” Dean said. “What’s here is unique, and that’s why I’m committed.”
The market can be found at 5829 Main Street in Ooltewah on Thursdays year-round. More information about the market can be found on their website http://www.ooltewahnursery.com/farmers-market/ or on their Facebook page @OoltewahFarmersMarket.
