The Hopkinsville-Christian County Downtown Farmers Market has a new schedule and a few new vendors this year — including a recent transplant who is establishing a vegetable farm in the county.
Located in Founders Square at Ninth and Main streets, the market will be open from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays. Opening day was April 20.
Traditionally the farmers market has been open on Saturday mornings, and some years it was also open on a second day during the week. The vendors made the decision to switch to a weekday afternoon-evening, said Downtown Renaissance Director Holly Boggess.
Organizers hope that the new time will help attract shoppers after they leave work. There’s also the advantage of buying produce ahead of special meals planned on the weekend, one vendor noted.
Liz Meredith, a new vendor, recently established Century Oaks Farms on Dawson Spring Road. She brought radishes, spinach, pak choi (similar to bok choy) and eggs for opening day.
“I grew up working in greenhouses,” said Meredith, who is originally from Pennsylvania. She earned her bachelor’s degree in agribusiness at Penn State. Most recently she was an area sales manager for Sakata Seed America.
Meredith’s husband works on Chinook helicopters at Fort Campbell. They moved to Christian County with three young children and bought 20 acres about 5 miles outside of Hopkinsville.
Meredith named the farm for six massive oaks on the property. She recently started an Instagram account to show how the farm progresses.
Patrons of the farmers market can expect to see more vegetables from Meredith as the growing season progresses. She has planted several varieties of potatoes and will also have tomatoes, lettuce, onions, garlic, carrots and beets. Blueberries are possible, she said.
In addition to Century Oaks Farm, vendors who were present for the first farmers market included Free Range Flowers, Little Creek Family Farm, MB Roland and Casey Jones distilleries, Bramble & Bee Farm, the Holt Homestead.
Along with spring vegetables, cut flower bouquets and tomatoes, the vendors sold chicken, bacon, sausage, pork chops, Boston butts, honey, eggs, soap and jewelry.
A “Star Wars” theme day is planned May 4. There will be a costume contest, free caricature drawings, photo opportunities and themed drinks.
The farmers market Facebook page publicizes special events and information about produce and vendors who are expected week to week.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
