Gainesville farmers market will be open through fall

GAINESVILLE - The Gainesville Farmers Market will be able to remain open into November thanks to a partnership with First Baptist Church on Green Street.

The market, which features select vendors, is situated on the Gainesville Square during the summer months, but had to move because of previously-scheduled fall events downtown.

Market Manager Steven Thomas said he met with officials at First Baptist and worked out a plan allowing the vendors to set up in a parking lot on church property that fronts Green Street.

"We are going to have, as far as I know, all of the vendors that we had downtown," said Thomas, noting that vendors are invited to participate, mainly because of space limitations.

Thomas said farmers who participate will have their fall crops ready to harvest and sell.

"[What they have is] all kinds of mustard greens, turnip greens, turnips, some beats, lettuces of all kinds. I have one farmer who's growing tomatoes in a hoop house," said Thomas.

In addition, Thomas said the market will offered fresh-baked breads, locally roasted coffee and local honey; several craft vendors will also be on site.

The fall market will be open on Fridays beginning October 19 through November 16 from 2:30-6:30 p.m. or until dark, according to Thomas.