In an effort to provide Athens with  a new opportunity to buy local food,   the  Athens Farmers Market will be opening a weekday downtown market.   This is an exciting development that we feel will add to our town's blossoming food culture.  The AFM Downtown will run every Tuesday, from 4 to 7pm, at the Little Kings Bar parking lot and courtyard. The market will open this 2010 season on May 11th and run through November 16th.

Final logistics are still being worked out, but buyers can expect around 10 growers, 3-4 food purveyors - including 1000faces Coffee and Luna Bakery - plus live music.  With the opening of the AFM Downtown, we are hoping to provide a more convenient Market for those who can not make it to the Saturday, Bishop  Park Market. Our thought is that  folks who work downtown will especially appreciate the alternative location and weekday time - as will buyers who need to stock up on great produce in the middle of the week.

It is our mission at the Athens Farmers Market to provide healthy, affordable food to the community.  Each season, we look for ways to grow and further pursue our commitment to local, sustainable agriculture and community engagement. We are confident that the AFM Downtown will strengthen our purpose and make for an even more active and inclusive local food community.

See you out there!

It's a big weekend in Athens for local food.  Highlights include the Georgia Organics Conference and the 17th Annual, A Taste of Athens.  Both events offer some extraordinary opportunities to engage in our community's growing commitment to local food.  

Georgia Organics Conference (friday&saturday, around town)

A Friday and Saturday event featuring farm tours, workshops,  and a tradeshow/expo at the Classic Center.  Events will conclude Saturday evening with a Farmer's Feast and keynote address by Slow Food founder and president Carlo Petrini.  Farm Tours and Saturday's Feast are sold out, but look below for other great ways  to participate.  Many of AFM's farmers and artisans will be center stage at the conference, proudly showing off why Athens is a town gaining international intrigue from the greater agrarian and foodie community.

 A Taste of Athens (sunday, classic center)

Returning as a townie favorite, the 17th Annual, A Taste of Athens will be held downtown at the Classic Center,  5pm-8:30pm. Not only an evening of indulgence, but a unique way to help others as you enjoy delicious samplings from over 50 local restaurants.  General Admission is $45 and proceeds directly benefit Community Connection of Northeast Georgia.  AFM will have a booth there and will be serving up a special winter soup prepared by Jay and Boo.  Come by and say hello!

the weekend's noteworthy........

friday, february 19th

A Slow Night at the Farm. Farm255 will be hosting a special Slow Food fundraiser, with Carlo Petrini as an honorable dinner guest.  20% of all supper sales will go to SF's Terra Madre Fund.  Reservations for dinner are recommended and can be made via phone at 706.549.4660.  

Expo Reception. One of the conference's public events, held from 5-7:30p.  $10 for an evening of Athens food and culture. Included is music by Hope for Agolden Summer, cash bar, local food tastings, cooking demos, art, and 70 exhibtors.  

sunday, february 21

A Taste of Athens. Come by to EAT, DRINK, and HELP MANY!

***And a friendly reminder for AFM Vendors.  Applications for 2010 AFM season are due by February 28th.  Get them in!  Application forms are available on the Membership page.  

ENJOY THE WEEKEND! 

 

The Athens Farmers Market is getting geared up for another exciting year.   Applications for all the Growers, Prepared Foods, Artisans, and Non-Profits for membership are on-line now.   If you are interested in joining our growing community, please submit an application or pass it on to someone who might be.