Before Tina Rhoades managed the Acworth Farmers’ Market, she was a vendor for over 15 years. She has two-home based businesses crafting lye soaps and making gourmet beer and wine jellies. Her livelihood depends on participating in successful markets and festivals.
The Acworth Farmers’ Market is what it is today because of Tina’s commitment and passion. When the market was trying to find its footing a decade ago, she raised her hand and stepped up to engage more vendors and a better location. Tina is still an active vendor and is proud of the food-based community that’s come together around the market. Recently she took the time to tell us why the market is so special and what we can expect for the upcoming season.
What makes the Acworth Farmers’ Market unique?
We do our best to maintain one of the most diverse offerings in the area. Our focus is on being a true Farmers’ market. Food and farm-related items are our primary goals. We steer towards homemade and home-grown because home-based and farm-based businesses are the backbone of any successful market.
But it’s not JUST leafy greens, right?
There are baked goods, fruits, meats, and eggs. We also have a few non-food related items like natural bath and body products, flowers, plants, and agricultural-related crafts like pottery, cutting boards, and garden stones.
Tell us about the amazing vendors.
All our vendors are highly vetted and excited to provide quality interactions with our guests. The people you’ll meet at the market are knowledgeable and can tell you when things are in season or how to keep plants thriving using natural and organic practices. Going to the Acworth Farmers’ Market is a great way to deepen your connections to the food you consume.
Why do you think this market has such a loyal following?
We pride ourselves on making sure our vendors meet or exceed the Georgia Department of Agriculture standards for their products. We want our customers to feel confident about the products they bring home from the market. Also, the Acworth Famer’s Market is just the right size. You can shop the whole market without being overwhelmed and have plenty of choices. It’s common to see people putting their first haul in the car and coming back for round two. Pull wagons are a popular accessory around here.
What are some of the most popular seasonal items?
No surprise, one of the biggest draws of the market season are the Georgia-grown strawberries. They’re ripe, usually right about when the market opens in April. Peaches run all summer long, and peak tomato season is generally late June through early September. Apples bring a crisp and juicy fall bounty to the market in September and October
Why is the market a better alternative to the grocery store?
You get to know who is growing and preparing your food. You have the satisfaction of seeing your hard-earned dollars supporting the local agriculture here in North GA. Most of our vendors are from the Acworth/ Dallas/ Kennesaw / Cartersville area, but we do have vendors that travel to get here from Stone Mountain, Jasper, Atlanta, or Canton. You aren’t dealing with go-betweens. Buying directly from our vendors is what feeds these families and supports their farms. We want people to understand the concept of “No Farms, No Food.”
How do I shop at the market?
The market runs from April 5th thru October 25th, 2024 (every Friday) from 8 am until 12 noon.
Look for the tents in Logan Farm Park, 4405 Cherokee Street, Acworth Ga 30101.
