The Amicalola Regional Farmers Market kicks off this Friday afternoon in Dawsonville.

The market is open every Friday throughout the summer from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m.

This year, vendors will set up in a new location at Dawsonville City Hall, at 415 Highway 53 East. 

The market will temporarily be held in the city hall parking lot, but will move to its permanent location at the Farmers Market Pavilion, located on City Hall property facing Allen Street, upon its completion expected later this year.

The third season of the market is being launched by the Amicalola Regional Agriculture Committee, a program of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce.

Throughout the season, events will be held to celebrate agricultural and community awareness. The first market of the season will place special focus on military appreciation month.

“Our Agriculture Committee has worked diligently to bring a market together that will offer fresh, local produce to our community,” Dawson County Chamber of Commerce President Christie Moore said. “We are grateful to the City of Dawsonville for providing space in the heart of our community to host the market.”

Making the market as locally grown as possible is a top priority for the committee. Vendors who participate in the market must show their produce is grown in Dawson County or a county that touches Dawson (Forsyth, Hall, Gilmer, Fannin and Lumpkin).

Local artisans offering handmade arts, crafts, soaps, honey, flower and vegetable plants and baked goods will also be at the market. Nonprofit organizations are also invited to sell baked goods. 

The committee offers the opportunity for local farmers and vendors to sell their goods at no charge.

Market Manager and Dawson County Extension Agent Clark MacAllister said he is grateful that local citizens have the opportunity to access fresh, local produce.

“We are excited to continually expand the opportunities in Dawson County for customers and vendors at our new farmers’ market location,” MacAllister said. “The Amicalola Regional Farmers Market will continue to help connect local farmers with those seeking fresh food and farm-related products.”

Vendor spaces are still available. For an application to participate, contact MacAllister at clarkmac@uga.edu or call (706) 265-2442. 

For more information about the market and upcoming special events, visit http://fb.me/amicalolafarmersmarket or call the Chamber at (706) 265-6278 for more information.