Danielle Moore, M.S.

After a lot of hard work, East Atlanta Village welcomed the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market (EAVFM) in 2006. Now a staple on Thursday evenings, the market features sustainable and local produce, cheese, yogurt, sweet treats, prepared foods and much more.

There was always a mission behind EAVFM: to create opportunities to strengthen the local economy and encourage healthy lifestyles. EAVFM pursues vendor practices, programs and partnerships that have environmental, social and economic integrity. Knowing that food is a social catalyst, EAVFM offers a weekly venue six months out of the year where a collection of families, friends and neighbors can gather to share ideas, music, art and much more.

The inaugural market operated August through October of 2006. The market was located on the south side of the East Atlanta Arts and Antiques Bazaar in the parking lot. Twenty two vendors signed up to participate, hoping to build a long lasting relationship with the East Atlanta community. In just 3 months, the market reached over 700 customers, and has been growing ever since.

With only one full-time employee, EAVFM relies heavily on the participation of the community. Countless volunteers help with everything from welcoming customers to assisting vendors with set up to writing this very blog. “The East Atlanta Village Farmers Market was a true community effort.” says Tescher. “The East Atlanta Beer Fest, East Atlanta Strut, EAV Neighborhood Association and EAV Business Association all supported the market getting started, as did local property owners and Avenue Realty, and all are still supporters today.

Seeing the need to make food accessible for everyone, the market was the first in Georgia to partner with Wholesome Wave to accept food stamp benefits at double their value.

Now, in 2012, the market attracted more than 1000 people on opening day alone. Moving locations in 2011, the market now operates at 561 Flat Shoals Avenue and is open April through December. The vendor participation has grown to almost 40 vendors, and they have been joined by many other programs, including a Music at the Market Series, a Kid’s Activity Booth, and weekly Cooking Demos.

Commenting on the success of the market, Tescher says “People often comment that I must feel proud about the market. Truth is, when I go to market each week, I’m most proud of all of the people that contributed to its success and the amazing community of vendors that have been with us along the way.”

EAVFM is operated by a Community Farmers Markets, a non-profit organization seeking to develop and strengthen farmers markets for long term sustainability and meaningful community impact. Building on the success of EAVFM, Community Farmers Market partnered with The Grant Park Conservancy to establish the Grant Park Farmers Market in 2011. Both markets continue to grow and thrive thanks to the participation of community vendors and residents.

Festivities will kick off on Thursday, June 28, at the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market when Atlanta’s most celebrated mixologists gather and go head-to-head in the Peach Cocktail Contest. From 5:30 to 7 p.m., the bar keeps will serve up creative peach cocktails hoping to achieve “best cocktail” status as decided by a team of local judges. Event-goers can also sip on the libations and cast their vote for the “people’s choice award,” in addition to enjoying Farm Burger sliders and pours from a refreshing peach beer cask, compliments of Terrapin Beer Company.

From East Atlanta Village to East Lake, the stone fruit soiree continues on Saturday, June 30. Local contestants, amateurs and professional, will compete in the third annual Peachapalooza Cook-off. Market patrons will have the opportunity to taste a wide variety of peach-inspired dishes, from burgers to peach-y drinks. Beginning at 10 a.m., the judges will begin sampling the contestants’ peach fare. Winners will be announced at 12 p.m. Prizes include an ELF Market trophy and major bragging rights for the People’s Choice Award. The Best Amateur will receive $100 and a certificate and the Professional prize winner will be awarded a customized plaque.

The three-day peach extravaganza concludes on Sunday, July 1, when amateur and professional chefs empty out their bushel baskets for the Peach Cobbler Contest.

Guests can browse and buy the Market’s fresh harvest along with peach breakfast sandwiches from Farm Burger while sampling an impressive variety of this iconic dessert baked up by local chefs.

Atlantans are welcome to join in the fun at all three events and participate in the peach-y contests, too. Those looking to compete can email slowfoodatl@gmail.com for complete details. For additional event information, please visit slowfoodatlanta.org.

Hydrate: The best way to beat the outdoor heat is to drink plenty of water. Doctors recommend about 64 ounces of fluid per day, but an extra glass or two never hurts when you know you’ll be spending time outside. For your convenience, we have placed a cooler full of icy-cold water at the information stand, located at the Flat Shoals entrance of the market. We are happy to share, and although we do provide cups, we’d love for you to bring a reusable container for refilling.

Protect your skin: Even though the EAV Farmers Market avoids the peak sunburn hours between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., applying a generous amount of a broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher sunscreen before all outdoor activities is the best insurance against harmful sun exposure. For maximum protection, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before heading outside. A wide-brimmed hat can also help to prevent a painful, skin-damaging sunburn. And don’t skimp on the skin protection just because it’s cloudy. Even on overcast days, nearly half of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation still reaches the Earth.

Listen to your body: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can stress the body’s natural cooling systems. If you begin exhibiting any of the most common symptoms of heat exhaustion―heavy sweating, faintness, dizziness, fatigue, weak or rapid pulse, nausea or headache― seek out some shade or air-conditioning, rest, and drink cool, non-caffeinated beverages. Ignoring the signs of heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is a serious, life-threatening condition.

Remember your best friend: If the afternoon seems sweltering to you, chances are your furry friend feels it too. Because they can’t release heat by sweating, dogs don’t tolerate hot, humid weather as well as humans. Be sure to provide your pooch with plenty of cool water when he accompanies you to the market. On their Facebook page, our friends at East Atlanta Animal Clinic warn you to watch for the symptoms of overheating in pets, which can include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Animals with flat faces, like bulldogs and pugs are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. If you notice any of these signs of heat stress, move your pet to a cooler place immediately.

We can’t wait to enjoy this summer with you at the market!

The site is simple to use: create an account and choose which places you’d like to follow like your home and your workplace. Your custom EveryBlock homepage, updated throughout the day, will show you what’s been happening near your followed places from sources ranging from Creative Loafing to the Atlanta Police Department. You can also get a daily e-mail containing all of the news near your followed places from the previous day or week. Not only can you read the news, but you can also contribute.

EveryBlock  is a proud supporter of our farmers markets.

The event begins with the East Atlanta Farmer’s Market opening day on April 19th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., which includes a lantern building workshop at the EACA booth in the market. Guests may also purchase wishing lanterns for the sunset launch for $5. All proceeds benefit EACA programs.

At 8 p.m., as the sun sets on opening day at EAVFM, there will be a Sunset Wish Lantern Launch, followed by Lantern Parade through the Village, ending in Brownwood Park.  At 9 p.m. Brownwood Movies in the Park Series Begins, hosted by East Atlanta’s own Studio Outpost with entertainment by the Imperial OPA, HoopEssence, and the Vauxhall Gardens Variety Players.

For more information about other Earth Day events see EAV Earth Day Festival on Facebook.

Stock up for your Easter and Passover celebrations or your spring break excursions at Whole Foods on Ponce de Leon on Wednesday, April 4th. 5% of all proceeds from the day will support the East Atlanta Village and Grant Park Farmers Markets.

Stop by and see your farmers markets friends all day and enjoy special farmers market features at the store. And please invite your friends and help spread the word!