Rocky Top outdoor vendors market planned
Angel Disney cuts the ribbon to open her new Disney DIY and Buy Crafts shop at 312 S. Main St. in Rocky Top on Friday, May 1. Her husband, Steve, is on the right, and recording the event from the left is Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank. The Disneys plan to begin an outdoor vendors market to operate each Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parking lot to the rear of their new business. (photo:G. Chambers Williams III )
Angel Disney and her husband Steve Disney, who recently opened Disney DIY and Buy Crafts, said Thursday night during a visit to the Rocky Top City Council meeting that they hope to have some farm products at the market, as well.
Steve Disney said they will welcome fresh produce from sellers who come to the market form within a 200-mile radius of Rocky Top, which is somewhat beyond the scope of the Norris, Oak Ridge and Clinton farmers markets.
Those require all vendors to be from the local area – whether selling produce, baked goods or handmade crafts – and to have made all of their products themselves.
The Disneys said they don’t have such restrictions on the vendors they’re seeking for their outdoor market, and will welcome a variety of sellers and products.
While the market will start out in the small parking lot behind their 312 North Main St. building, they said they might be looking to move it to a bigger space if it takes off as they expect.
Their decision to set up the outdoor market stemmed from social media posts locally during the past few days suggesting that Rocky Top needs its own farmers market.
The Disneys went to the City Council meeting intending to seek the council’s permission to operate the market, but were told by city officials that no council action was needed, and that all they would have to do was buy a permit for the market at City Hall.
While the idea did not appear on the City Council’s agenda for last Thursday’s meeting, Mayor Kerry Templin mentioned it during his mayor’s report, and he and some of the council members wished the Disneys well in their new endeavor.
Disney DIY & Buy Crafts opened last month in the old house at 312 Main St. The business features the products of area artists and craftspeople, as well as space for people to come in and create their own crafts.
“We created this to help bring the community together,” Angel Disney said of the couple’s new store.
“Disney DIY & Buy Crafts LLC is your neighborhood hub for authentic creativity,” the business’ website says.
“We provide a dedicated space for local artisans to showcase and sell their handmade treasures, fostering a vibrant community spirit.”
There are booths throughout the house that feature the works of several local craftspeople, including leather goods, stained glass, coal art, and woodworks.
