Strawberry Festival at Chattanooga Market - May 18

IF YOU GO¦ What: Strawberry Festival at Chattanooga Market.¦ When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, May 18.¦ Where: First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Reggie White Blvd.¦ Admission: Free.¦ Website: chattanoogamarket.com.ON THE EPB STAGE12:30 p.m. Tiffany Taylor2 p.m. Julie Gribble

Make plans to head out early to the Chattanooga Market on Sunday, May 18. The Strawberry Festival is always one of the most popular days of the season.

"It's a much anticipated event because it's the first market the strawberries are actually in ample supply," says Melissa Siragusa, director of marketing and public relations. Some years the strawberries sell out fast, and sometimes not.

"Every year is different," she says. "We are hoping to have plenty on Sunday and have been hearing positive feedback from farmers, but Mother Nature can change those plans." So, she says, "if you have your heart set on strawberries," your chances are better if you get there early.

Strawberries sold at the market will be freshly picked the morning of the market, Siragusa says.

"Fresh strawberries, fresh picked on Sunday morning by several well-known local farmers including Flat Top Mountain Farms, Watsonia, Sims Family Farm and Hazelrig Orchards," she says.

Even hot dog lovers will be in strawberry heaven, Siragusa says. Good Dog will be making two special varieties: the Monte Cristo Good Dog, with a house-made strawberry/jalapeno jam and Swiss cheese, and an Elana Ruz Good Dog, with a house-made strawberry jam and garlic/herb cream cheese.

The Frazier Avenue business also will have new products at the market, including its own packaged sausage, Siragusa says.

Other vendors will offer strawberry-flavored treats ranging from salsa to cake to garnishes. Some of the arts-and-crafts vendors also will add a strawberry twist to their handicrafts.

Among the new vendors gaining notice at this year's market are Rusted Suitcase, an arts-and-crafts vendor, Off the Grid Juicers, which makes and sells juices, and Barley Bones, specializing in healthy dog treats.

Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6396.

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