The Sparta Green Market wrapping up its 15th season Friday after another year of connecting local farmers, artists and small businesses directly with the community.
Vendor Don Sergio said the monthly market has developed into more than a place to buy locally produced goods since beginning 15 years ago.
“Everything is suspect,” Sergio said, “But especially it’s good to know where your food is coming from, and so and it’s good to know where your stuff’s coming from, and it’s good to have people in the community to do these things and they can’t do it without your support.”
Sergio said giving producers and shoppers an opportunity to meet is an important part of the market’s purpose. That connection allows shoppers to learn more about the people behind what they purchase.
“We’ve got everything there,” Sergio said, “Everything from local artists to local food vendors, meats,” Sergio said, “We’ve been serving beer at the Green Market for a long time. And it’s kind of like a block party in the middle of Sparta.”
Sergio said interest from vendors has grown large enough that organizers cannot accommodate everyone who applies. Applications typically open in March before a selection committee determines the following season’s lineup.
“We do every year and it’s sad, we hate to do it, but it’s just one of those things because there’s so many applicants and we try to keep it, keep everybody happy and it’s not an easy job to keep everybody happy,” Sergio said.
Sergio said purchases at the market support participating businesses while also generating local sales tax revenue.
“We can’t make beer if we don’t have supporters and we’re just very thankful that we do and everyone at the Green Market is thankful,” Sergio said.
Friday’s season finale will feature local food and craft vendors, seasonal vegetables and music from a DJ. Sergio said the market can also provide an opportunity to begin holiday shopping with locally made products.
The Green Market runs 4-7pm Friday in Sparta. Organizers will begin accepting applications for the 16th season next spring, with vendor selections expected in April and the market returning in May.