Tuesday, August 27, 2013 11:41 am

The cutting of the ribbon was the official dedication of the Cannon County Farmers Market. The results of three years of work came to a climax on Saturday. Residents which routinely attend the Market, realize the commitment of our Producers.

As the day of the Market approaches, you will find these producers harvesting their produce only to set-up under "pop up" tents with little relief from the weather. These days are finally over, the ceremony began with County Executive, Mike Gannon thanking those individuals which made the Market a reality.

Funding for the Market was made available through a grant from the USDA Rural Development, Cannon County Commission and Tennessee Department of Agriculture Agricultural Enhancement program.

While the funding was an important part of the project, many other individuals was a catalyst to push the building to completion. County Executive Mike Gannon, The Arts Center of Cannon County, Preston Brothers Construction, Mayor Harold Patrick, Neal Appelbaum, Woodbury Lions Club, Darrell Fisher, Cannon County Sherriff Darrell Young and trustees, Cannon County Farm Bureau, County Engineer Mr. Parker and of course the Producers participating at the Cannon County Farmers Market.

During the Grand Opening, you couldn't help to feel the fellowship and excitement of those in attendance.

Wendy Sneed, representative from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture had an assortment of items at her "Pick Tennessee Products" booth ranging from recipes to cutting boards. In addition, her display showcased a multitude of fresh fruits and vegetables from Oren Wooden Apple House and Jackson Farms Produce from Pikeville, Tennessee.

Refreshments of homemade biscuits along with you guessed it, homemade jelly was made available by Sara Steelman and Earlene. David and Diane Sneed along with Joe Young was great help throughout the day as well.

Several businesses offered door prizes for the Grand Opening: The Blue Porch, Woodbury Farmers Coop, The Old Feed Store, Greg Campbell, Joe Young, Martin Daniel, Osborn's Piggy Wiggly, Save A Lot, Cannon County Farm Bureau and Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

Several individuals voiced their approval of the new building, can't help to remember the comment from Gracie Reed, "This is a Good Thing", guess that pretty well sums it up!

Of course the success of the Market is in the hands of the Producers offering their fruits, vegetable and baked goods and the community attending the Market.

The Farmers Market has an identity and now a permanent home. Feel free to visit the Market and we are always looking for new producers at the Market. If you are interested, please give Bruce Steelman a call at the Cannon County Extension Office at 563-2554. 

Don't forget about dropping by the Market next week. For those looking for locally grown farm fresh vegetables, drop by the Cannon County Farmers  Market this Saturday, August 31st for a great selection of fruits, vegetables and baked good including; beans (blue lake), butternut, cucumbers, eggplant, fresh herbs and flowers, peppers (Anaheim, bell, banana, Poblano, cayenne, jalapeno, sweet banana), okra, potatoes (Irish new potatoes), squash (zucchini and yellow), sweet corn, tomatoes (red, yellow and green), watermelons, assortment of squash. Irene Hollis and Lindsey Parsley have a great selection of homemade fried pies and assortment of jams, jellies and baked goods. 

Half Acre Farm offers raw salsa, spicy dill pickles, pesto and organic cucumbers, squash, bell peppers and Roma and beefsteak tomatoes. Our new vendor is the Blue Porch Restaurant, with a great selection of tasty treats using Cannon County fruits and vegetables in several of their dishes.

The Cannon County Farmers Market is located at the Arts Center of Cannon County every Saturday beginning at 6:00 A.M. Most Saturdays the market is open until noon or until the farm fresh fruits and vegetables have been sold. Best way to get the best selection is to come early! Local businesses supporting the Cannon County Farmer's Market, includes; Osborne's Piggy Wiggly, Save a Lot,