Downtown Knoxville celebrates 20 seasons of the Market Square Farmers’ Market
June 11, 2023, 1:37 p.m.

KNOXVILLE -- Nourish Knoxville’s Market Square Farmers’ Market is turning 20, and Downtown Knoxville is celebrating the memories made and businesses grown at the market in the coming months.

“The Market Square Farmers’ Market has been a cherished mainstay in our city center since 2004,” said Michele Hummel, executive director of the Downtown Knoxville Alliance. “Fresh produce and homemade goods might be the reason people come to the market, but it’s the rich community surrounding it that causes them to stay. We invite residents and visitors to celebrate with us, savor the full experience of Market Square and share their favorite farmers’ market moments with us throughout this milestone season.”

Downtown Knoxville Alliance also is inviting people to send “Farmers’ Market Fan Mail” to thank vendors, share a favorite market memory or describe how the market has made a difference in their lives. Drop off letters, poems, drawings and other tokens of appreciation at the official mailbox in Market Square, designed and painted by illustrator Paris Woodhull.

Shoppers and sightseers are encouraged to share photos of their farmers’ market friends and finds on social media using #20yrsKnoxFarmersMarket. One photo op, a hand-painted mural by local artist Ashton Ludden, will be in the middle of it all at 17 Market Square, located outside the Knoxville Chamber.

In June, artist Megan Lingerfelt will update her seasonal mural in Strong Alley as part of Dogwood Arts’ Art in Public Places Mural Program. The summer mural will include a market-inspired motif to help celebrate two delicious decades of the Market Square Farmers’ Market.

All the fun is free for the public. Learn more about the scavenger hunt, fan mail, murals and prizes at downtownknoxville.org/farmersmarket20. The celebration is made possible by Downtown Knoxville Alliance in partnership with Nourish Knoxville, the nonprofit that manages the Market Square Farmers’ Market.

“The Market Square Farmers’ Market sows life into our city center,” Nourish Knoxville CEO Charlotte Tolley said. “When people come to the market, they support farmers and makers across East Tennessee, as well as the surrounding businesses. Together, we make Downtown Knoxville a vibrant, must-visit destination. Join us as we celebrate 20 seasons and help ensure its success for 20 more!”