FAIRHOPE, Ala.– The bi-annual seasonal Fairhope Outdoor Farmers Market brings back fresh, delicious produce to the local community this autumn.  Every Thursday throughout spring and fall seasons, Farmers Market opens to the public from 3 to 6 p.m.. Sept. 4, marked the start date for the season with an end date set for Nov. 13. 

Local businesses from the Eastern Shore set up stands behind the Fairhope Library and sell their goods to anyone who stops by. These stands sell a variety of items, including baked goods, garden-fresh produce, essential oils, seasonings, homemade granola, and much more. Shopping at a local market not only benefits the producer but also benefits the consumer by creating healthier options to eat and use.  

One seller, Annette Covington, owns a small Mobile, Alabama, baking business and participates as a vendor. From cakepops, cupcakes and different flavors of loaves,  Annettes Yummy For Your Tummy Cakes has it all. She believes supporting these local businesses is vital to the community. 

 “This is how I make a living; it not only covers the ingredients and packaging for my business, but also pays the utilities and bills,” Covington said. 

Having a market like this is important because it supports locals and their products. Getting products from these markets is more meaningful than shopping at a wide chain store; it’s healthier and helps grow the seller’s small business.

 “Everybody goes to a big chain, you don’t know where the money’s going to, whereas if you support a local business, you know you’re supporting a family,” Covington said.

Advantages of the market include locals purchasing healthy products for healthy benefits. A beautiful environment in the fall and spring helps the market flourish and encourages locals to stop and visit while supporting this community event. 

“It’s definitely important to support your local people; this isn’t just a job for me,” Covington said.

This event isn’t just shopping for adults; it’s family-friendly. With activities for children such as storytimes, crafts, giveaways and even live music and face painting, Families are entertained while shopping local products. 

Local businesses appreciate the support from the community while the community appreciates the delicious foods and healthy products that are man-made and curated with experience, love and care.