Video: Tupelo Farmer’s Market Gets New Name, Revised Hours

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) –  Throughout our region, consumers are finding fresh, local produce at farmers markets.   Cities that have the local markets provide another opportunity for small farmers to make a living.  WCBI’s Allie Martin visited the market in Tupelo and has this report.

Three days a week,  10 year old Frank Stark is working hard at the Tupelo Farmer’s Depot.

“We sell plums, nectarines, peaches, some apples, grapes and muscadines,” Stark said.

His family owns Pontotoc based Cherry Creek Orchards and they are one of the regulars at this market.

For 15 years, this market has provided area farmers an outlet to get their fresh fruits, vegetables,  homemade jams and even fresh cut flowers to shoppers.

“We can get some varieties of vegetables that you can’t find in the grocery store and the price is better,” said Shopper Buddy Wikle.

“All the vegetables are always fresh, prices are always really good, there’s a lot of friendly folks down here, and we just enjoy it,” said Shopper Melanie Blaylock

Sometimes, there’s even old timey music along with a history lesson.

“It has an agricultural theme and of course the toys I’m showing the kids have been used on the early farms, and kind of goes along with agriculture,” said Pat Arinder, who plays music at the market on occasion.

Research is important for any business and the Farmer’s Depot is no exception,  the downtown main street association oversees this operation and they found out that some consumers wanted to do their shopping in the afternoon.

So the depot is opened from 4 to 7 Tuesday evening.

“Tuesday it’s a totally different customer base, we’re happy about that,” said Manager Carl Brangenberg.

William Tucker has been a vendor since day one and says the Tupelo Farmer’s Depot h,” Tucker said. ”

The Farmer’s Depot is opened May through October.

The Tupelo Farmer’s Depot is at 415 south spring street.   It will be opened this saturday from 6 till noon.