The Tryon Farmers Market is coming home to downtown Tryon at the Depot Plaza on Thursday, Aug. 3 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Long time market customers will remember this was the original location and time for the market seven years ago before moving.

The market will operate on Wednesday at Harmon Field from 9 a.m. to noon and then make its move the next day for the remainder of the season.

“Vendors and customers both are really excited about this move. It is a great location and we hope to attract a lot of new customers to the market with events, giveaways, and more. Coming to the farmers market is an experience and we want it to be the best it can be,” said Patrick McLendon of Growing Rural Opportunities, or GRO.

The opening market in Tryon is happy to feature demos from Chef Coy Cunningham and Chef John Wilson. They will be walking through the market with customers and speaking about the history and uses of products available and then light the fires of the grill for a tasting of the best local food available. The market opening is also on the same day as Tryon’s popular First Thursdays which includes pet adoptions from Foothills Humane Society, live music from the Cigarette Holders, and more.

This move comes on the heels of the Columbus Tryon Farmers Market Association merging with GRO. GRO will provide organizational structure and support to the markets with the goal being to support the bottom line of farmers in the Polk Community.

All of Polk’s farmers markets are currently doubling EBT/food stamp dollars thanks to a grant awarded to GRO by the Polk County Community Foundation. If customers forget cash, the market also offers a credit/debit card token system.

Current offerings at the market this coming week will include peaches, vegetables, live herbs and decorative plants, coffee, pastured pork, beef, chicken, eggs, and more. The best and most direct way to support local farmers is by visiting and buying at the farmers market.

For more information visit growrural.org.

Article submitted by Patrick McLendon