Press release
ASHEVILLE, NC —Yes, it is spring. One way to know for sure, even with the confusing cold and snow? Tailgate tents are going up, and area farmers markets are opening outdoors for the harvest season. Celebrate spring by getting a taste of what is growing in your community at local tailgate markets. At early spring markets, expect fresh greens, spring onions and asparagus; meats, cheeses, baked goods, value-added farm items like preserves, and a wide selection of plant starts. Produce offerings will differ from market to market based on the location of vendor farms—microclimates vary greatly in the region.
Find a list of spring tailgate opening days below. Markets listed are all members of the Mountain Tailgate Market Association (MTMA), a collaborative group of farmer- and vendor-only area markets. For a complete list of the 90+ tailgates in the region, including their season start dates (a new feature for 2014!), visit ASAP’s online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. The 2014 print guide hits stands in mid-April.
MTMA Opening Dates
Asheville City Market: April 5, Saturdays
8 am-1 pm
Asheville City Market South: April 2, Wednesdays 2-6 pm
Bakersville Farmers Market: May 31, Saturdays 8 am-12 pm
Black Mountain Tailgate Market: May 3, Saturdays 9 am-12 pm
East Asheville Tailgate Market: May 9, Fridays 3-6 pm
Flat Rock Tailgate Market: April 17, Thursdays 3-6 pm
French Broad Food Co-op Wednesday Tailgate Market: April 2, Wednesdays 2-6 pm
Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market: April 26, Wednesdays/Saturdays 8 am-12 pm
Henderson County Tailgate Market: March 15, Saturdays 7 am-12 pm
Historic Marion Tailgate Market: May 6, Tuesdays 3-6 pm, Saturdays 9 am-12 pm
Leicester Farmers Market: March 29, Saturdays 9 am-2 pm
Madison County Farmers & Artisans Market: April 5, Saturdays 9 am-1 pm
Mills River Farmers Market: May 3, Saturdays 8 am-12 pm
Montford Farmers Market: April 23, Wednesdays 2-6 pm
North Asheville Tailgate Market: April 5, Saturdays 8 am-12 pm
Oakley Farmers Market: May 8, Thursdays 3:30-6:30 pm
Spruce Pine Farmers Market: May 7, Wednesdays 2-5 pm
Transylvania Tailgate Market: April 19, Saturdays 8 am-12:00 pm
Original Waynesville Tailgate Market: May 14, Wednesdays/Saturdays 8 am-12 pm
Weaverville Tailgate Market: April 9, Wednesdays 2:30-6:30 pm
West Asheville Tailgate Market: April 8, Tuesdays 2:30-5:30 pm
Yancey County Farmers Market: April 19, Saturdays 8:30 am-12:30 pm
ABOUT ASAP (APPALACHIAN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROJECT)
ASAP’s mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food. To learn more about ASAP’s work, visit asapconnections.org, or call (828) 236-1282.
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