FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 30, 2001
First annual Autumn Fest at the Greenville State Farmers Market
GREENVILLE -- To kick off the autumn season the Greenville State Farmer's Market will host its first annual Autumn Fest Sept. 14-16.
"The event will kick off the arrival of fall at the Farmer's Market," said Amy Forrest, upstate marketing specialist for the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. "We'll have a good selection of plants, flowers, and ornamentals. But, this festival will also focus on grassroots products and South Carolina grown fruits and veggies indigenous to the Upstate."
The market on Rutherford Road will display farm fresh vegetables, homegrown apples, herbs, cider, greens, pumpkins, muscadine grapes, peanuts, sweet potatoes, winter squash and local honey.
"The Foothills Direct Market Association will be on hand as well as the Piedmont Beekeepers Association," said Danny Howard, Clemson Extension agent, who helped organize the event. "Plus, Deb Potter from Anderson County will be demonstrating her weaving and spinning skills."
Festival goers will also find handmade oak and hickory Amish furniture, handmade candles, handspun wool garments, autumn decor, pansies, mums, perennials, potted plants, crape myrtle, and Japanese maples.
"Labor Day represents both a change of season and a change of pace here at the Farmer's Market," said Jack Watson, market manager. "The high temperatures and rush of activity gives way to a more relaxed atmosphere along with a whole new variety of seasonal products."
Some of the farm families use the extra time to craft seasonal decorations in preparation for the coming holidays, according to Watson.
The South Carolina Department of Agriculture and the Greenville State Farmers Market sponsor Autumn Fest as a public service event. Admission and parking are free.
For additional information, contact Amy Forrest or Jack Watson at (864) 244-4023 or (864) 268-3779.