THE SUN shines bright, encouraging all that it touches to get moving and start the day. It’s a nice morning, for the middle of August. The cooler air is a reminder that summer is on its way out, and fall is preparing itself for its arrival in the next few months. Laughter and excited chatter can be heard, along with the smell of vegetables and baked goods as one walks upon the crowded pavilion.
One might be surprised to see such jovial attitudes at 8 a.m. on a Saturday. But friends and strangers greet each other as if this were a family reunion of sorts, welcoming each other to come grab a bite of this, take a look and that, and load up on as many veggies as your heart and wallet can desire.
This is the general experience that one can expect to enjoy when making a trip to the Franklin County Farmers Market. For decades, the market has offered itself as a hub for local growers, bakers, and artisans to showcase and sell their freshly grown and homemade goods. One can expect to find tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, and squash, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to vegetables. There are also fresh baked goods, homemade jams and jellies, handmade and custom painted items by local crafters and artisans. You could say the market is a treasure trove of all things local.
Long time vendor and member of the market Kristal Ray said the sense of community is what makes the market so special.

“I love the sense of community, and the vendors are like family,” she said. “You get to see people you haven’t seen in a while and meet new people all the while getting to purchase and try fresh, homemade products.”
Ray got her start with the market thanks to a bountiful pear tree.
“I had a pear tree in my backyard, and I didn’t want the pear tree to go to waste. My uncle was a vendor, and I brought the pears up here to sell. And then I started to make muffins, to entice people to buy the pears. And then the muffins began to sell pretty well.”
Ray has now moved on to selling homemade dog treats and enjoys providing delicious treats to her fourlegged customers.

Ray also devotes her time to helping with the marketing and advertising for the market. She said that the market has continued to grow, and they are constantly adding new vendors. Currently, the market is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, through October with some vendors gathering outside of market season. She welcomes patrons to follow the market’s Facebook page to keep up with the latest on the market.
Ray said that each year that she is involved with the market, the more she loves it. She invites the community to come out and find that same love with the market.
“I just love this place,” she said. “We love to see families come and bring the kiddos so they can meet the farmers so they know where their food comes from and just to have everybody from all walks of life come and just enjoy and support local farmers. We hope everyone continues to spread the word and support local farmers and growers. Bring your family and friends and enjoy a day at the market.” GN