News

Outdoor season kicks off downtown

By Lightning Reports, Published: April 5, 2019

Saturday feels like the unofficial start of outdoor fun, food and frolic in downtown Hendersonville.

The Henderson County Tailgate Market kicks off its 40^th anniversary season on at 8 on Saturday morning followed by a unique popup market in the Historic Seventh Avenue District.

Just as they did in 1979, vendors will set up either from the back of their vehicle tailgates or under canopies to offer fresh Henderson County produce, plants, baked goods, handmade Appalachian crafts and more.

New this season at the market is the capability to offer SNAP/EBT recipients a chance to use their benefits to purchase Henderson County grown goods.  The Duke Endowment grant “Healthy People, Healthy Carolinas” is helping purchase equipment for the transactions and in return will also allow vendors to accept tokens purchased with debit and credit cards at the market’s information booth.  

“Buying local helps build community and this year we are pleased to provide the opportunity for everyone to participate,” said Karen Blaedow, agent of the NC Cooperative Extension.

Themed weekends, live music and non-profit spotlights are also planned from April through October.  The month of April will highlight the planting season.

The Henderson County Tailgate Market opened in 1979 featuring fresh county grown produce.  It is one of the oldest and successful open air markets in Western North Carolina.

This year the season is open to the public from April 6 through October 26 from 8am to 12noon at 100 North King Street in the parking lot of the county office building. Visit  www.hendersoncountytailgatemarket.com for more.

 Vintage Pop Up Market on 7th Avenue

The Vintage Hendo Pop Up Market, a popular eclectic outdoor market hosted by Southern Appalachian Brewing Co., is Saturday on Locust Street in the Historic Seventh Avenue District. The market features food vendors, vintage, jewelry, clothing, bath and body, candles, art, pottery, industrial, upcycled and recycled, jewelry, handmade and baby items. "Fab labs (and other dogs!) are welcome on their leash!" says Southern App's Kelly Cubbin.