Summer is drawing to close, which means summer farmers markets are wrapping up soon. Winter is the “off-season” for those who sell produce at farmers markets because the natural growing season for those products at summer markets is ending with the Summer days. So now what? Do you want to go back to the grocery store produce after enjoying the fresh local summer produce? Of course not. We at Fiddle Farms believe it is possible to have fresh produce that tastes wonderful every day of the year, and that is the need in this area that we aim to fulfill.

     Rather than trying to compete with the various summer markets around here, we instead want to tap into an untouched opportunity that we believe many in our community will embrace. People care where their food is coming from, how it is produced, and the nutritious value it adds to their bodies and fuels their lives. In light of that, our goal is to create a space where people can come together and support local farmers while simultaneously cultivating an environment that encourages healthy eating and community fellowship, the Market at Fiddle Farms.

     Fiddleheads is a garden center in Dalton that is looking to utilize our extra space to embrace a new angle for our business. We understand the idea of a farmers market in the winter may seem strange, but we have done the research and have invested in the consulting assistance of a reputable winter market from Colorado. Here in our very own greenhouse, we will be growing a variety of vegetables to sell at the market. Other fruits, veggies, and grocery items would be brought in and sold in individual booths by other local vendors. Ideally, the majority of our vendors will be grocery related items such as produce, meat, eggs, dairy, honey, etc. and will be as locally produced as possible so that market goers can purchase items knowing they were cultivated by their neighbors, within 100 miles of their own kitchen tables.

     We do intend to have a handful of non-grocery vendors to sell crafts or services, especially during the holiday season. Our plans also include a handful of food and drink vendors so shoppers can snack during their shopping trip, such as coffee or pastries and possibly heavier items such as tacos or soups. Our preference will be given to grocery vendors over craftsmen but would like to have a selection of local crafters present to promote their skills. Below is a short list of the types of vendors we are looking for, but others outside of this list are welcome to apply as well.