A NEW producer-only farmers' and artisan market coming to Murfreesboro

Sep 11, 2014 at 04:45 am by bryan


With a theme of "Homegrown, Handmade, and Heartfelt," Stones River Mall will introduce Market at the Mall, a producer-only farmers' and artisan market, this fall.

Beginning in October, Market at the Mall will be held from noon-4p on the first Sunday of each month. It will be located behind Shoe Carnival and Bink's Outfitters, alongside Robert Rose Drive.

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"Stones River Mall is refocusing itself as a gathering place within the community, and Market at the Mall is the perfect addition to our ever-growing calendar of family-centric events," explains Melinda Noblitt, marketing manager for Stones River Mall.

"Our mission is to provide producer-only healthy, fresh foods, horticultural products, and handmade art to the residents and visitors of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County. We strive to increase local commerce, while providing entertainment to shoppers and exposure to local producers and artisans. Market at the Mall allows us to effectively enhance the quality of life in Rutherford County by providing a community activity which fosters social gathering and interaction."

Market at the Mall provides an outlet for local vendors to sell their products during the winter season.

"This is especially beneficial to those producers who relied on the Rutherford County Farmers' Market's extended season, which has passed the proverbial torch to Stones River Mall," Noblitt adds.

Stones River Mall has commissioned the help of local producer, Nina Hanson, who will manage Market at the Mall. As partner of Hanson Farms, she has experience in the industry and strong ties to the farming community. After seeing a need for a market in Lascassas, Hanson also established the Lascassas Farmers' Market earlier this year at Lascassas Feed Supply. "I think Murfreesboro is ready to receive another market, especially considering other venues and outlets are closed down for the winter season," Hanson explains. "I believe in the local economy, in supporting local farmers and businesses. It's really important for consumers to realize farmers don't just work in the summertime; their work is season-long."

Hanson also hopes shoppers will learn to incorporate seasonal produce into everyday cooking and says Market at the Mall can expose them to local producers and farmers.

"The old adage, 'Shake the hand that feeds you.' rings true," she says. "It is extremely important to shake the hand of the person who grows and prepares your food. I believe in that, and I'm really happy Stones River Mall is reaching out to the local community and the local economy to make that happen."

Each month's market will also feature an underlying theme: October will offer a harvest festival feel complete with pumpkin painting and live music. In November, shoppers are invited to bring dog and cat food donations for Rutherford P.A.W.S. The local animal shelter will bring its mobile pet unit for on-site adoptions, and Paul Mitchell - The School Murfreesboro will showcase its line of pet-friendly products. Market at the Mall will host a Toys-for-Tots toy drive in December, then highlight healthy cooking and fitness demonstrations in January. All things loving and heartfelt will abound in February, while March's market will focus on springtime gardening.

"We invite local families to join us each month for this special event," Noblitt says. "Market at the Mall is more than a farmers' and artisan market, it's about spending time with your loved ones, investing in the local community, and meeting your neighbors."

In addition to traditional farmers' market vendors, Market at the Mall will offer an array of locally handmade wares, including soaps, jams, artwork, and jewelry. Market at the Mall is currently accepting vendor applications for the 2014-2015 season. The cost is $40 per month, or $200 for all six markets, reserved and paid for in advance. In the event of inclement weather, the market will be moved indoors.

Dates for Market at the Mall are as follows:

  • October 5, 2014
  • November 2, 2014
  • December 7, 2014
  • January 4, 2015
  • February 1, 2015
  • March 1, 2015

Source and Information:

Melinda Noblitt, Stones River Mall

For additional information, or to become a vendor, visit www.stonesrivermall.com/market or email stonesrivermallmarket@gmail.com.

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