The outdoor market at the Bradley County Recreational Park on Urbane Road will officially open Thursday at 8 a.m. A grand opening and ribbon cutting is set for Saturday at 10 a.m. This event will feature live music from a bluegrass band.
Committee member Bobby Orr said among the produce, flowers and plants being sold on that day, he will also be selling Amish baked goods. (Homemade baked goods and home-canned items are permitted at the market only if from a licensed domestic or commercial kitchen.) Orr’s application was one of those approved Monday.
Committee member Gloria Hayes also had her application approved. Selling as “Adoughables,” Gloria and Kim Hayes focus on homemade baked goods.
“We do homemade fried pies — the old-timey kind,” Gloria Hayes said.
Parking for the venue was a topic of concern during the committee meeting Monday.
“I talked with Paul (Wyrich of Parks and Recreation) and parking will [present] some problems,” committee member Robert Rominger said.
A tournament is scheduled at the Bradley County Recreational Park for Saturday.
Rominger pointed out that patience with parking issues could pay off if some of the spectators decide to buy something at the market.
“A few people go up there and say, ‘Look what I bought.’ They’ll come in droves,” legislative assistant to the Commission Amy Moore said.
The committee discussed putting a gate up for the Farmers Market parking to keep it blocked off. Posting signs designating parking near the pavilion as “For Farmers Market only” was also discussed
The official guidelines governing the Farmers Market were approved by the Commission last week. Applications are being waived until Saturday, but will be required after that. There is a $25 application fee. Applications are available at the Bradley County Courthouse, Bradley County Parks and Recreation Office and at www.bradleyco.net.
