Vendor shortage forces Clinton FARM Market closure
Competition and a lack of vendor interest have been cited as deciding factors by an East Tennessee farm group to end the Clinton farmers market, which it had initiated in 2021.
“Fewer and fewer people are going into farming,” said Kathy Mihalczo, president of the East Tennessee Farm Association for Retail Marketing, or FARM, which sponsored the market.
“There are many markets in our area now being held throughout the week — Maryville, Harriman, Norris, Sevierville — and there also is quite a bit of competition for these vendors,” she said.
“We just didn’t have the number we needed to sign up this year.”
On the market’s Facebook page, this was posted late last week:
“Dear Clinton FARM Market Supporters,
“After careful consideration, we regret to announce that the Clinton FARM Market will not be reopening this year.
“We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the City of Clinton, our vendors, and, most importantly, you — our customers — for your support. Your wonderful support of agriculture and small business has truly made a positive impact that will be remembered.
“You can find your favorite FARM vendors at our other two area markets in Oak Ridge and West Knoxville,” the post said.
For the past two years, the Clinton market had operated at the city’s Lakefront Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays.
The two previous seasons, 2021 and 2022, it was held in the city’s parking lot on Commerce Street, the first year on Fridays from 3-6 p.m., then the second year on Thursdays from 3-6 p.m.
Organizers said they were forced to move from downtown to the Lakefront Park site beginning with the 2023 season because of construction that was in progress in the Commerce Street parking lot to create a downtown green space and concert venue.
But some people who had frequented the Clinton market when it was on Commerce Street had complained that the new time and location were not as convenient.
Although no formal announcement has been made yet, the Norris Farmers Market is expected to operate 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays this year in the downtown area in front of Norris Middle School.
It normally operates from late April or early May through September.
That market is not operated by the FARM group. Mindy Wells of Norris is in charge of it.
