Farmers Markets are a phenomenon. They continue to grow in number, sales volume, and length of season. Polk Countys Farmers Markets have quadrupled in just two seasons, serving as an incubator for local farmers, crafters, and food artisans to sell directly to the public and capture the full retail value of their product.

Facilitated by the office of Agricultural Economic Development, the local tailgate market season kicked off several weeks ago with the Columbus market which runs Saturday mornings. The Green Creek Farmers Market opened its season Tuesday of this week and runs evenings at the Green Creek Community Center just off Hwy. 9. Tryons Tailgate Market launches its season Thursday, May 6, and runs Thursday late afternoon. And Saludas Friday market kicks off May 7 and runs in the downtown area of Saluda. Interested vendors can call Lynn Sprague at 894-2281 for further information.

Columbuss Farmers Market is held on Saturdays from 8 to 11:30 a.m. beginning April 10 and ending November 20.

Tryons Farmers Market is held on Thursdays from 4 to 6:30 p.m. beginning on May 6 and ending on October 28.

Green Creeks Farmers Market is held on Tuesdays from 5 to 7:30 p.m. beginning on May 4 and ending on September 28.

Saludas Farmers Market is held on Fridays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. beginning on May 7 and ending on October 29.