Farmers market in Sylva offers local goods

The Jackson County Farmers Market was in full swing on Saturday, Sept. 20, as people stopped by to sample and buy local goods from a variety of vendors.

The market is a weekly event in Sylva that locals and visitors regularly take part in. There are booths that offer goods like fresh honey, farm produce and handmade crafts. Some of the vendors are new to the market, but many have been attending for years.

The Jackson County Farmers Market offers fresh produce, like the hybrid tomatoes pictured above. Picture courtesy of Meghan Burr.

The Jackson County Farmers Market offers fresh produce, like the hybrid tomatoes pictured above.
Picture courtesy of Meghan Burr.

“Balsam Gardens has been participating for eight years, but I’ve been an intern since June. We are responsible for everything out here. We grow and harvest the vegetables,” said Mollie Davis, an intern for Balsam Gardens.

Buying local produce fresh from the farmers market is one reason why students love Western Carolina University.

“Events like this are why I love going to Western. There are always fresh foods available around here. I love it,” said Meghan Burr, a junior at WCU.

The Jackson County Farmers Market is a year round market. From April-October the market is open from 9 a.m. to noon in the Bridge Park parking lot. The winter hours are 10 a.m to 1 p.m. and the market is located at the Community Table on Central Street.