Mississippi Homegrown
Seasonal Farmers’ Markets

THE DELTA

Clarksdale Farmers’ Market
200 block of Delta Avenue
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon,
through November

A true grass-roots market, it’s small and quaint and boasts just enough produce to fill your fridge for the week. Grab some edamame from Chris Litwiller of Chicken Scratch Farms and tomatoes from Gerald Simmons––he’s been growing them for 30 years. Also check out Ben Kelso and J&B Farms, and produce from the “Alligator Aggies” community farm. Short on time? Place your order online by Wednesday at 5 p.m. and pay and pick up on Saturday morning.

www.clarksdale.locallygrown.net

Cleveland Farmers’ Market
Behind the Cleveland Post Office
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., through fall

They’re coming back in droves this year for the fifth season of the Cleveland Farmers’ Market. Eggs, honey, baked goods, jams and jellies, pickled vegetables and fresh-cut flowers are just a few of the selections from local favorites. Don’t miss Nancy and Mickey Sellers, Mack and Ollie Hoop, the Hollands of Blue Lake Honey, “Mr. Smitty” and Cornelius Toole. And if you’re nice, and if it’s hot enough, you might just catch the Hoops cracking open some melons to help cool down.

www.clevelandfarmersmarket.blogspot.com

Greenville Farmers’ Market
Washington Avenue at the Pavilion
Wednesdays and Saturdays,
7 a.m. to noon

You might see some of the same faces from the Leland Market, but it’s definitely worth checking out, if only for the great selection of jams, honey and pickles.

Leland Farmers’ Market
Highway 82 E
Fridays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., through early fall

A small-town farmers’ market with just the right amount of produce to make a quick stop. Plus there are tons of preserves and canned goods made from local produce.

DOWNTOWN GREENWOOD

Farmers’ Market
Corner of Howard and Johnson Streets
7:30 a.m. to noon, through October 31

Situated in the old railroad station parking lot, the whole community comes together for a rollickin’ celebration of Delta culture at its most authentic. Set the alarm; this one kicks off early and you want to beat the crazed fans of Donald Bender’s homemade bread. You’ll find lots o’ fresh Delta-grown ingredients plus local honey and even a few organic offerings. Live music? You betcha—and in sing-along fashion, especially if Cecil Abels is playing.

www.greenwoodms.org

Mel’s Farmers’ Market, Lake Village
West Main Street

Monday and Thursday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., 1st Saturday of the month, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., through September

Check out the ribs from Ella Edwards and Mitzi Scarborough’s oven-ready casseroles–– we hear they’re to die for.

Vicksburg Farmers’ Market
Corner of Grove and Levee Streets
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., through August 29

Wednesdays are produce only and for the serious grocery shoppers. Saturday is a full-out community market with over 20 vendors selling produce, baked goods and art, live music and a café to grab a coffee or rest your feet. Don’t miss crowd favorites Kenny and Kenle Ellerbe of K&K Farms or Bill Freeman, whose known to have some of the freshest tomatoes, squash and peppers in town.

www.vicksburgfarmersmarket.org

Indianola Open Air Market
B.B. King Museum, 400 Second Street
Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon, through September 12

Debuting this summer, Indianola’s new al fresco market launched with all the right elements: live music, art aplenty and produce grown in Sunflower county soil, all under khaki canvas tents. Grab some coffee inside the museum gift shop and score some of Willie Dixon’s fresh garlic and onions, Clarence Kirksey’s fresh-picked string beans, an impressive selection of Delta artwork, and homemade goodies such as Alexis Beckworth’s chau chau.

www.indianolams.org

OXFORD AREA

Mid-Town Farmers’ Market
Mid-Town Shopping Center
North Lamar Boulevard
Wednesdays, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., through September

Just a few varieties to check are rattlesnake beans, rosemary braid bread, eggplants and herb butters. Check online weekly for a quick list of featured produce and special events. The annual Mid-Town pie contest on July 18th challenges participants to use all locally-grown ingredients.

www.mtfarmersmarket.com

Taylor Farmers’ Market
Plein Air Neighborhood
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, through October

The 2009 market has promised to be bigger and better than ever––and we loved it to begin with. Friendly growers, shady space, it’s as good as farmers’ markets get. Fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, cut flowers, eggs and a selection of art and handmade items. Check out Taylor Creek Farms for fresh eggs.

www.pleinairtaylor.com

MEMPHIS AREA

Memphis Farmers’ Market
Central Station Pavilion,
GE Patterson and Front Street
Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., through October

You’ll find nearly 70 venders at this rain or shine, family-friendly market. Products to check out are dry-aged USDA prime angus beef from Neola Farms; honey and beeswax candles from Peach Bee Farm and birdhouses from R.P. Funderburk. Complimentary pet sitting, cooking demos and live music every week as well as special dinner tours where local chefs are challenged to create locally sourced meals. www.memphisfarmersmarket.org

Farmers’ Market at the Garden
Memphis Botanic Garden
Wednesdays, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., through October 28

A small-scale, quaint market featuring favorite local vendors such as Delta Grind, Delta Pecan, McCarter Coffee, Peace Bee Farms, Groovy Foods and greenhouse plants from the Memphis Botanic Garden.

www.memphisbotanicgarden.com

The Agricenter’s Farmers’ Market
The Red Barn at The Agricenter
Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturdays 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., through October

Cut flowers, Jones Orchard peaches, All Shook Up kettle corn, and for the men Advant Edge knife and blade sharpening and Grumpy Old Men’s duck calls, to name a few. Check online for growing season charts to ensure your favorite produce is ripe and ready.

www.agricenter.org/farmersmarket

Hernando Farmers’ Market
Courthouse Square at Highway 51and Commerce Street
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, through October

The first full season of this new market is underway with great enthusiasm and support. Located on the historic town square, the market promises to deliver fresh locally-grown fruits and vegetables as well as knife sharpening by Herman, goat soaps by Deb and Arlie’s delectable baked goods. With music and cooking demonstrations planned, this market is just heating up.

Senatobia Farmers’ Market
Norfleet Drive

More of a co-op for Tate County growers only, this friendly community produce exchange is in full swing. With no set hours and limited products, it’s best that visitors contact Shelly Benton at the County extension office to find out the latest happenings before heading out.

(662) 562-4274

Southaven Farmers’ Market
Corner of Highway 51 and Stateline Road
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., through the end of July

This two-month, small market is short-lived, but check back as it may be extended this year due to the late start for most growers from the rain. Don’t miss Mr. and Mrs. Calvi and their produce, muscadine jelly and chau chau.

JACKSON AREA

The Greater Belhaven Market
Parking lot of the English Village Shopping Center, Fortification Street
Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through December 19

Open rain or shine, the reputable, open-air, producers-only market begins its 8th season this year. Produce selections vary from week to week, depending on availabilty, but there is always a great selection of art. Eat while you shop every third Saturday courtesy of the Pizza Shack, who gives away slices of the gourmet pizza. And don’t miss Sweet Magnolia Farms from Byram and their naturally grown vegetables and herbs. Music every Saturday from local favorites such as the Nouveau String Band, Virgil Brawley, Bob Gates and Ralph Miller.

www.greaterbelhaven.com

Mississippi Farmers’ Market
High Street, near the Fairgrounds
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

18,000 square feet of fresh market produce and local art make this farmers’ market the largest of its kind in the state. Find ample supplies of greens, sweet potatoes, blueberries, tomatoes, jams and specialty food items like kettle corn and freshwater prawns. Visit the Chef’s Corner on Saturdays featuring a local chef and signature dish.

www.mdac.state.ms.us DM

Compiled by Mary Grace Chapman and Karen Mayer