Rison Farmers Market Opens Next Week

RISON - The Rison Farmers Market is preparing to open for its 2023 season next Thursday, May 25, at FBT Community Park in downtown Rison. Meanwhile, online registration has also opened for the all-new Village Farmers Market & Homestead Trade Day to be held three Saturdays this summer with the first set for June 17 at the Pioneer Village in Rison. Vendor space for both the Rison Farmers Market and Village Farmers Market & Homestead Trade Day are free. Booth space at the Rison Farmers Market is for those selling fresh produce, plants, cottage food items or handmade crafts/items. The market will be open each Thursday afternoon throughout the 2023 growing season. While some tables will be available, those planning to set up a booth at the Rison Farmers Market are encouraged to bring their own tables and chairs. Anyone planning to be a vendor are encouraged to register online by going to the Rison Farmers Market page on Facebook or going to https://tinyurl.com/38d8c68r Greg Jaggers, who is overseeing the Rison Farmers Market for 2023, said the starting time this year is being pushed back to later in the afternoon to give those who are working out-oftown enough time to take in the market. Vendor set-up will begin at 5 p.m. with the market opening to the public at 5:30 p.m. Market organizers also encourage local civic groups, clubs, churches, etc. to considering set up a fundraising booth selling baked goods or other items at the market. Those who are interested in perhaps generating some extra revenue in their kitchen at home can do so with certain types of foods. The Arkansas Food Freedom Act allows people to make and sell some food products without having to prepare them in a certified kitchen. Those food items, often referred to as "cottage foods," includes bakery products; candy; fruit butters, jams, jellies; chocolate-covered fruit and...