By Kaitlin Fleming
Staff Correspondent
Summer has just begun and so has the demand for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Luckily local cities have started their farmers markets, which support fresh produce and local growers. What is better than a refreshing tomato sandwich or ripe watermelon in this heat?
The cities of Attalla, Gadsden and Rainbow City all provide a farmers market during the week. Attalla provides one on Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m., Gadsden on Fridays from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Rainbow City, two days a week, Monday and Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Rainbow City’s farmers market is off of Highway 411 in the parking lot of Rainbow City Hall, Gadsden’s market is off of Highway 411 in the parking lot of the Greater Gadsden Area Tourism building at 90 Walnut Street. and Attalla’s market is off of Highway 431 beside the new Jack’s.
Many farmers and local growers set up at all three markets. Farmers from Chandler Mountain and Lookout Mountain participate in the markets as well as small growers like Richard Singleton from the Noccalula area.
“I’ve been growing vegetables all my life and been selling them for about 30 years,” said Singleton, “I don’t use pesticides either.”
Brenda Umphrey and her granddaughter Josie Bunch were set up at the three markets, selling everything from plums to tomatoes. Umphrey said she was selling pretty fast this year and was glad she had her granddaughter to help.
“Josie likes coming with me to sell and her brother likes to stay at the farm and grow,” said Umphrey.
The local markets are scheduled to last for around 10 weeks. So if you are planning a 4th of July cookout, you know where to find fresh local produce at great prices.