KINGSPORT – The Kingsport Farmers’ Market drew steady crowds from 7 a.m. until well after noon on Saturday, the first official market day of the 2022 season.

Manager Kristie Leonard said she was a little surprised, but fortunately, with such an influx of customers and sellers.

After all, Saturday was described earlier as a kind of dress rehearsal for what will be an official grand opening of 2022 this coming Saturday (May 7).

Between 10 a.m. and noon, vehicles circled the Market property and Food City parking lot, waiting for spaces to open.

Inside the market there were new long standing vendors offering everything from fresh produce, fresh eggs and locally produced beef to baked goods, crafts and a freshly made coffee bar.

Outside, these choices were joined by fresh bedding and vegetable plants and hanging baskets already in bloom.

On Saturdays, the market opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 1 p.m., or when the goods run out.

On May 7, for the grand opening, the market will feature live music from Mike Milhorn and friends and offer a variety of activities and special events.

Some of these will include: Agriculture students from Dobyns-Bennett and volunteers from Keep Kingsport Beautiful will help the first 100 market children transplant tomato plants to take home from 8am-11am. Volunteers will also share information about pollinating plants for the garden.

To celebrate Kentucky Derby Day, $1 rides will be offered at the Kingsport Carousel, which opens at 10 a.m., and rock painting will be donated by the Kingsport Public Library.

The market is also open on Wednesdays, from May 4 to October, at the same times as on Saturdays. Saturdays at the Farmers Market continue through November.

For more information, visit kingsportfarmersmarket.org.