The popular farmers market in downtown Greenville on Main Street returns starting this weekend, as does the one in Travelers Rest.
Greenville city officials and event partners have given the "TD Saturday Market presented by Prisma Health" a new branding and logo, but it's the same great fresh food, produce, cheese, meat, fish, baked goods, plants and entertainment that the market has been known for. It's been a downtown tradition for 17 years. This year’s market will also feature a new Holiday Market that will happen just before Christmas on December 14.
The City of Greenville says this season will launch with a record 80 vendors, including returning vendors Bake Room, Beechwood Farms, Bellews Market, Greenbrier Farms, Sixteen Acre Wood, Merciful Hearts Farm, Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery and The Happy Berry. In addition, new market vendors will feature lavender bath and body products, a variety of woodwork items and handwoven baskets and simple syrup, salt and sugar made from fresh herbs.
Once again, TD Bank partnered with the City of Greenville for the TD Bank Bucks program, which was created to support local farmers. Vendors were invited to apply for TD Bank Bucks to fund their market fees for the full season. “TD Bank is proud to partner with the City of Greenville for the 17th season as the title sponsor of the TD Saturday Market,” said David Lominack, South Carolina Market President for TD Bank. “We are excited to support these three deserving vendors through our TD Bank Bucks program, and we look forward to visiting them, along with the other farmers and vendors, for another successful season.”
Along with providing fresh produce each week, the market will feature the Spuds & Sprouts program presented by Prisma Health. The free program will offer weekly programming that will educate children about some of the fresh fruits and vegetables available at the market. In addition, children will have the opportunity to sample different fruits and vegetables and make crafts related to agriculture. “Prisma Health is proud to support the TD Saturday Market and the Spuds & Sprouts program. Spuds & Sprouts teaches children about healthy eating while engaging them in fun food-related activities. Our purpose is to inspire health, serve with compassion and be the difference. We believe the TD Saturday Market provides a unique opportunity to do just that,” said Robin Stelling, Manager of Community Relations for Prisma Health–Upstate.
As always, there will be a variety of free interactive activities, including live acoustic music and culinary demonstrations by local chefs and farmers.
Recognized as a Top 20 Event in the Southeast, the TD Saturday Market is open Saturdays, May 4 through October 26 (excluding October 12), from 8am to 12 noon on Main Street at McBee Avenue.
For more information about the TD Saturday Market and to view an interactive vendor map the official website is SaturdayMarketLive.com.
Here is the schedule of events planned for upcoming market dates:
Lowes Foods Front PorchMay 4 – October 26Live Music: 8am - 12 noonSpuds & Sprouts presented by Prisma Health: 8am - 11:30amCooking Demonstrations: 10:30am*Visit www.saturdaymarketlive.com for specific details
Penske Touch-a-Truck DayJune 18am - 12 noonThe free event will feature various vehicles, including large trucks and heavy equipment from the City’s Police, Fire and Public Works Departments, as well as commercial and industrial companies.
Autumn HarvestOctober 268am - 12 noonThe TD Saturday Market Autumn Harvest will offer an assortment of seasonal produce, gourmet foods and colorful flowers from over 40 different market vendors. The market will also feature a morning filled with special events, including children’s trick-or-treating and a costume contest.
Holiday MarketDecember 1410am - 2pm The Holiday Market is a new addition this season. Market-goers can enjoy shopping for a wide variety of seasonal produce and gift products from their favorite vendors and grab a bite to eat from participating food trucks.
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Opening day this year features the annual plant and flower sale, focusing on the spring planting season. There are many special events planned for the market this year, too, which can be found on their website.
Some parking is available at Trailblazer Park, but also at the Travelers Rest United Methodist Church and the municipal parking lot on Center Street. A free trolley service is offered for people parking in those locations.
The Travelers Rest Farmers Market is every Saturday now through September 28 from 8:30am to 12 noon.