Mingle On The Square Now Sponsored By Lula Lake Farmers Market

By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor

The first of this year’s Mingle on the Square farmers markets will be at the end of this month on April 26. Every Saturday through November, the market will set up at Veterans Park on the Trenton square from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Last year’s inaugural season was thanks to the hard work of several local vendors: Haley Bearden, Cindy Miles, Misty Moon, Chelsea Johnson, and Makayla Marshall.

This year, Lula Lake Farmers Market is taking the lead and sponsoring the event. Lori Carter (director of Lula Lake Farmers Market) has years of experience coordinating markets, and she’d had an eye on Trenton for a while, thinking it could be the perfect spot for a market.

She watched the success of Mingle on the Square last year and eventually contacted Bearden who was eager to have more help with the events. Next, Carter connected with Sandy White (Alliance for Dade president and CEO) and began taking over the responsibility for the market. This will free up the founding vendors so they can focus on their business booths instead of also coordinating every aspect of the event.

Lula Lake Farmers Market is a nonprofit funded through grants, vendor fees, market sponsors, and donations. The nonprofit runs two markets in Chattanooga at CHI Memorial locations—one at the downtown hospital, and one at the Hixson location. Trenton will be the third addition to their long-term market offerings, all of which are pulled off successfully thanks to many hours of volunteer time.

Carter said, “We really want this to be an all-inclusive community event. There is really a place for everybody at this market. There’s something they can contribute or learn.”

Carter’s vision for Mingle goes beyond just one or two categories. She’s been busy connecting with a variety of groups and looking to secure booths from nonprofit and civic organizations, provide educational offerings and cooking demonstrations, set up an art tent and a kids activities booth, and find a morning yoga session leader and a health and wellness booth.

Many of last year’s vendors (like the original Mingle founders) fell into the arts and crafts category, offering homemade artisan creations. While a few people sold produce from their gardens, Carter hopes to expand the farmers market offerings, like fresh produce and flowers.

Whether you’re a full-fledged farmer or a small-scale backyard gardener, you’d be thoroughly welcomed at the event. For shoppers, keep in mind that produce offerings will be seasonal, starting with spring offerings and ending with fall produce in November.

Carter also hopes to draw in musicians to perform on the square and food trucks to sell their tasty treats. Some musicians and food trucks were part of last year’s events, but there’s room for growth in these categories.

There’s still time to sign up for any of these categories. Even if you’re not interested in joining the first few events, you may be able to join later on in the season. Sponsors and volunteers are also always welcome; these markets could not happen without the hard work and donations from the community.

Contact Carter at 423-838-3626 or email lulalakefarmersmarket@yahoo.com for more details.