Laura Bevil from Hidden Haven Farms stands behind her booth at the first Signal Mountain Farmers Market at McCoy Farm & Gardens May 9. / Contributed photo by Teresa GarlandEven with the presence of pouring rain and the threat of a tornado warning, the Signal Mountain Farmers Market's first day in its new location at McCoy Farm & Gardens was a great success, said Alison Hoffman, co-manager of the market along with Teresa Garland.
The decision to move the farmers market came following a customer survey conducted earlier this year, in which respondents said they wanted to see more vegetables, a more family-friendly location and extended hours.
Previously held every Thursday from 4-6 p.m. in the parking lot at Pruett's Signal Mountain Market, the farmers market's hours were changed to 3:30-6:30 p.m. when it was moved to McCoy May 9.
"That was probably one of the best markets I've ever done," said Kelly Garcia, market vendor and owner of Terra Flower Farm.
"We couldn't believe it," Hoffman said of the turnout, which she estimated to be around 50 customers. "People are excited about it."
She said she thinks the extended hours were helpful in bringing more people to the market, for which sales had been waning in the past year.
"Pruett's was over-the-top kind to us," Hoffman added. "It was just the fact that people don't like a parking lot."
Vendors typically include produce purveyors The Healthy Kitchen and Bluewing Gardens; Terra Flower Farm; prepared foods vendor Nourishpoint; Hidden Haven Farms, offering eggs and whole chickens; Blue Flamingo Farm, offering herbs and sourdough bread; Natural Affinity, offering herbal soaps and essential oil products; Dixie Soaps, offering goat's milk soaps; Mountain Top Farms, offering eggs; and Bread & Butter, offering artisan bread and pastries.
On June 6, the farmers market plans to hold a grand opening at the new location during regular hours, with additional vendors in attendance as well as vendor demonstrations, said Hoffman.
Market customers should use the McCoy Farm & Gardens entrance at 1604 Taft Highway, then follow the gravel drive to the main parking lot. For more information, email signalfarmersmarket@gmail.com.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com