Franklin County is fortunate to have two thriving farmers markets – one in Russellville and one in Red Bay. Not every county can boast one, let alone two, such outlets for local growers to sell their produce. Both are open multiple days of the week throughout the growing season to provide fresh, homegrown fruits and veggies to Franklin County.

We encourage everyone – both growers and shoppers – to support our local farmers markets. To continue as thriving, vibrant local markets, they need farmers to set up and sell fresh produce to tempt veggie-lovers, and people in our communities need to patronize these markets and take advantage of what they have to offer.

These local growers are our friends and neighbors – and the fruits and veggies they are offering come from local farms and backyard beds. When a market vendor sell you a melon, a potato, a cucumber or a zucchini, you know exactly where it came from, and you know that as little as a few hours ago, it was still nestled in north Alabama soil.

You just can’t get any fresher than that.

The Franklin County Farmers Market in Russellville is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to noon June through October, at the covered pavilion next to the A.W. Todd Center. The Red Bay Farmers Market pavilion is located at Red Bay Fun Park, and it is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, June through September.

Both these markets participate in the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, through which qualified senior customers can purchase fruits and veggies using voucher coupons received through the Franklin County Extension.

They both also accent market season with special events coordinated by the Extension, like Tomato Sandwich Day and other themed programs and giveaways. Keep an eye on the FCT’s community calendar for upcoming events.

We need to remember and appreciate the assets we have right here in Franklin County in the form of our local farmers markets.