34th Annual Farmers’ Market Grand Opening on April 29

Seal of Little Rock
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :
Monday, Apr 28, 2008

Media Release

City of Little Rock Public Relations (501) 371-6801

Shannon Light 501-375-2552

Any Fresher & You’d be Driving a Tractor!

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS (April 28, 2008) – The 34th annual Farmers’ Market will hold its 2008 grand opening on Tuesday, April 29th. This will mark the twelfth year the Farmers’ Market has been located at the River Market according to Shannon Light, Market manager.

“We will have 200 vendors selling all types of fresh produce, breads, flowers, and crafts from both of our pavilions every Tuesday and Saturday from now through October,” Light said. The Farmers’ Market will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days each week.

Light said the Farmers’ Market continues to grow each year. “More and more people are telling us they look forward to the Farmers’ Market every year,” she said, “and we’ve had farmers tell us that this is the best market in Arkansas. So with that combination I expect this to be the best year yet.

“We want everyone to experience the Farmers’ Market, and we try to provide every opportunity so they can.

Established in 1974, the Farmers’ Market started on a parking lot on Main Street between Second and Third Streets. Having spent time located in the Metrocenter Mall, under Interstate 30 and in the parking deck at Sixth and Scott Streets, the Farmers’ Market moved to its permanent home in the River Market pavilions in July 1996.

Little Rock’s Farmers’ Market is open to farmers as well as vendors specializing in arts and crafts, plants and flowers, antiques and collectibles, home-baked and canned goods and commercial items. Non-profit organizations are also encouraged to participate. Priority of space however, is given to the farmers. Farmers’ Market 2008 participation packets are available at the River Market website www.rivermarket.info, as well as the River Market office, located on the second floor of the Market or call 501.375.2552

Now in-season: Greens, Turnips, Radishes, Green Onions, Leaf Lettuce, Bedding Plants, Herbs & Perennials, Strawberries

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Little Rock Parks and Recreation (LRPR) manages 50 parks, seven community centers, the Adult Leisure Center, Jim Dailey Fitness & Aquatic Center, four swimming pools, two tennis centers, the River Market, the Riverfest Amphitheatre, three golf courses, plus a catering service. That includes more than 5,000 acres of designated parks and open space. In addition, the organization offers a wide-range of youth and adult recreational and sports leagues, after-school and summer playground programs for children ages 6-15, outdoor activities, therapeutic recreation and programs for seniors. LRPR, which employs more than 400 dedicated and experienced people, is one of only 31 organizations in the entire United States to be accredited through the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies through the National Recreation and Park Association.