Sweet Grown Alabama Day

Sweet Grown Alabama Day

Are you proud of Alabama, our hard-working farmers and the incredible bounty grown here in the state? Join Sweet Grown Alabama, the state’s non-profit agricultural branding program, to celebrate all things locally grown for “Sweet Grown Alabama Day” on Saturday, July 22. Participating in Sweet Grown Alabama Day is simple — do at least one activity that supports an Alabama farmer. You can make a purchase from your local farmer, cook a meal made with local ingredients, pick Alabama grown flowers, eat at a restaurant that serves locally grown products, visit a local farmers market and more! 

Sweet Grown Alabama makes it easy to find locally grown products by searching the online database at SweetGrownAlabama.org. Type in your zip code and find produce, meat, honey, flowers, pecans and more near you. 

Share photos of your Sweet Grown Alabama Day on social media and tag Sweet Grown Alabama on Facebook (@Sweet Grown Alabama), Instagram (@sweet_grown_alabama) or Twitter (@Sweet_Grown_AL). Posts will be reshared throughout the day, and one participant will be randomly selected to receive a goodie bag filled with Sweet Grown Alabama products! 

 

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Why Buy Local? 

“When you buy products grown in Alabama, not only do you receive the best products around but you also support our state’s economy,” said Sweet Grown Alabama Director Ellie Watson. “Participating in Sweet Grown Alabama Day is a simple, fun way to show our support for the hardworking men and women who grow our food and other agricultural products.” 

Watson said 60 cents of every dollar spent locally is reinvested back into your local community. 

Buying local also contributes to environmental sustainability. 

“The average piece of produce travels 1,500 miles from harvest to plate,” Watson said. “We can each significantly reduce our environmental footprint when we purchase from farmers in our communities. In addition, I much prefer products that were picked that morning or the day before, instead of weeks ago and then bounced around on truck for thousands of miles.”

 

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Fun at the Farmers Market

An easy place to support many farmers at once on Sweet Grown Alabama Day is at your local farmers market. Several farmers markets across the state will host special events in honor of Sweet Grown Alabama Day. At these markets, you will have the opportunity to ask farmers questions, purchase local goods and make memories with your loved ones.

Bessemer Farmers Market- Bessemer

Address: 100 14th Street, Bessemer, AL 35020

The Bessemer Farmers Market will be celebrating Sweet Grown Alabama Day by having Tomato Sandwich Day. From 9:00 a.m. until they run out, get a tomato sandwich on white bread or home baked bread and with Dukes Mayo or Vegan Mayo, your choice! 

Open from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

City of Albertville Farmers Market- Albertville

Address: 314 Sand Mountain Drive E, Albertville, AL 35950

Join the Albertville Farmers Market for a day of fun in the sun! With several great vendors, attendees can expect to go home with a variety of delicious products. Come ready to talk with farmers in your area and taste yummy food made in Alabama!

Open from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

City of Gadsden Parks and Rec 5th Street Market- Gadsden 

Address: 439 Locust Street, Gadsden, AL 35901

The City of Gadsden Parks and Rec 5th Street Market will be having their festivities the Friday before (July 21) to coincide with their regular market hours. Market attendees can expect a watermelon seed spitting contest (with a fun trophy as the top prize), Sweet Grown Alabama bags with purchases, and recipe cards featuring produce from farmers. 

Open from 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermans Market- Foley  

Address: 20733 Miflin Road Foley, AL 36535

Join the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermans Market for a day full of games, free samples and more! They will be handing out FREE watermelon slices and tomato sandwiches, as well as have a children’s activity tent with lots of games for everyone to enjoy.

Open from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Fort Payne Main Street Farmers Market- Fort Payne

Address: 509 Gault Avenue N, Fort Payne, AL 35967

You’re not going to want to miss out on all of the Fort Payne Main Street Market’s fun. This special event will be loaded with high-quality local products and treats to enjoy all morning long.  

Open from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Leeds Farmers MarketLeeds

Address: 6th Street, Leeds, AL 35049

The Leeds Farmers Market is the perfect summer stop for an afternoon out of the house. With something for everyone, make this a family outing! Watch your kids’ faces light up at the sight of activities while you stock up on products for the home.

Open from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Market at Pepper Place- Birmingham 

Address: 2829 2nd Avenue S, Birmingham, AL 35233

At this farmers market, you can meet local makers, talk with a farmer and connect with foodies all in one place. Enjoy live cooking demos, tasting samples and more at this vibrant market in Birmingham’s Pepper Place market district! 

Open from 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

Montevallo Farmers Market- Montevallo  

Address: 660 Main Street, Montevallo, AL 35115

The Montevallo Farmers Market will be having their festivities the Monday after (July 24) to coincide with their regular market hours. You're not going to want to miss their antique tractor photo opportunities, free samples from vendors, giveaways and a bouncy house for children!

Open from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Montgomery Curb Market- Montgomery  

Address: 1004 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104

Central Alabama friends, the Montgomery Curb Market never disappoints! You can expect free samples, games for the kids and lots of local goodies in a one stop shop. This event will keep you smiling all day!

Open from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Prattville/Autauga Farmers Market- Prattville 

Address: 332 Doster Road, Prattville, AL 36067

Join the Prattville/Autauga Farmers Market for a day full of Sweet Grown Alabama goodies. This is a great place to stock up on all your favorite products. Here you can purchase all locally grown goodness from produce, honey and beef to handmade soaps and lotions! 

Open from 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Town of Berlin Farmers Market- Cullman 

Address: 50 Mt. Carmel Drive, Cullman, AL 35058

The Town of Berlin Farmers Market always gets the whole family involved! Using the Power of Produce (POP) program, kids are given vouchers to spend at the market with local farmers. After they stock up on goodies, there are still activities and a bounce house to be enjoyed!

Open from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 

Tuscaloosa River Market- Tuscaloosa 

Address: 1900 Jack Warner Parkway, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Visit the Tuscaloosa River Market ready to taste test delicious product! Attendees can enjoy free watermelon slices while getting their picture made with the watermelon mascot. As you shop, stop by to watch the slideshow celebrating the vendors at the market!

Open from 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Village of Providence Farmers MarketHuntsville

Address: 7 Town Center NW, Huntsville, AL 35806

Calling all North Alabamians! This farmers market in Huntsville is sure to be a fun time. With all different vendors, farmers and artisans you can find almost everything you are looking for! 

Open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

 

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Even if your local farmers market isn’t hosting a special Sweet Grown Alabama Day event, we still encourage you to visit, purchase local goodies, take photos and share online. Don’t forget to tag Sweet Grown Alabama for your chance to win the local goodie bag! A complete list of Sweet Grown Alabama farmers markets is available at SweetGrownAlabama.org