Photos Andy Calvert
It’s that time again when we get to celebrate our local flavors. Between the Rivers Farmer’s Market is Rome’s answer to the call for sustainably grown organic goods in an open-air market, inspired by the Freedom Farmer’s Market in Atlanta. Although many Romans consider an outdoor market as more of an entertainment event, fundamentally it is an experience to connect a community with their food source. BTRFM is a space dedicated to producer-only vendors and offers a literal glimpse of the farm-to-table concept.
This year’s 2nd annual opening, you may notice a few changes. Market Manager, Julie Fine details the efforts made to address current public health regulations, saying, “The market has worked hard in collaboration with all our vendors to continue to bring our community fresh produce in the safest possible way. We still have our dedicated producers Carlton Farms, Rise and Shine, Riverview Farms, and Sunflower Bakery; alongside various rotating vendors. All bringing you the best of what North Georgia has to offer.”
Knowing that the safety of customers and vendors alike is of utmost importance, the market has risen to the challenge. “We have taken extra steps to make this year at BTRFM just as spectacular as always. There will be a hand washing station and curbside pickup options for the first time. Vendors will assist market customers with their shopping as well as offer pre-packaged options to create the safest environment possible,” says Fine. If you prefer curbside pickup, “All available goods will update on the btrfarmersmarket.org website Wednesday evenings, and you can place orders online through each vendor’s link. All orders will be packaged and ready for pick up on Saturday morning.”
Fine assures the goal of the Between the Rivers Farmers Market remains the same “to offer local, sustainable foods and unique arts and crafts in a colorful, vibrant urban setting; to the community with established Georgia family farmers, food artisans, and artists that promote healthy lifestyles. The Market will be held from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday mornings at Bridgepoint Plaza in Rome, Georgia starting Saturday, May 2, 2020, and will run through September.”
