Visitors gather to watch live bluegrass music in front of the shops along Block Avenue.
Staff photo
The Fayetteville Farmers’ Market celebrated 40 years of buying and selling fresh, locally grown foods and handmade crafts on the downtown square Saturday.
The market, which started small in 1973, has grown to include over 120 vendors of all types.
Visitors walk past vendors on Block Avenue.
Staff photo
Saturday marked the first weekend for the newly expanded market, which now includes traffic closures on three streets surrounding the square.
City Council members last month agreed to give market officials the authority to close Block Avenue to traffic (in addition to East Avenue and Mountain Street) during the Saturday market, freeing up more space for vendors and patrons.
Saturday’s event featured a 40th anniversary ceremony, live music and various performances including dancers from Fayetteville’s TerraNova Tribal Bellydance Company.
The downtown market is open Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also, the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks hosts a market from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesdays and 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays.
