The Mount Olive Presbyterian Church (MOPC) Outreach Committee announced the reopening of the Mount Olive Farmers Market for its 4th market season. The Saturday market will reopen on June 3, 2023, and run through October 28, 2023. The market will be open from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon. Local vendors will be set up in the parking area at 105 North Breazeale Avenue, Mount Olive, NC. Parking and entry to the market is free.

“We look forward to another year of a family-friendly market to enhance our local community’s quality of life and fresh food initiatives,” said Wendy Ford, MOPC Outreach Representative. “This event unites our local farmers, craftsmen, artists, bakers, jewelers and the University of Mount Olive (UMO) School of Agriculture to create a diverse farmers market for our local community.”

Special awards this year include vendor, J&J Martins Farm Produce, who is the recent recipient of the “2023 NC Small Farmer of the Year,” by NC A&T State University Cooperative Extension. J&J Farms is a Century Farm and long-standing member of the Wayne County NC Cooperative Extension. Another highlight this year welcomes new food vendor, RJ’s BBQ.

“This season is much more than a Farmers Market; it’s a place to bring your family for good local food, education and fun,” Ford said. “Photos and videos of our vendors and their products are featured on our Facebook page. Come out to meet and talk with us.”

Many educational opportunities will be available with UMO Agriculture students, local beekeepers, craftsmen and artists. Vendors returning this year: J&J Martins Farm Produce, Acorn Acres Farmstead, Cleo’s Honey, For Goodness Bakes, Seams So Sweet, Cheesecake Chicas, Pinky’s Retro Plant Shoppe, Paper Gems and hand-crafted jewelry. Featured items include framed art, jams, pickles, Elderberry syrup, cakes, cookies, cheesecakes, honey sticks, fresh fruits and vegetables. Farm eggs and frozen foods include beef, pork, sausage, chicken, duck and tasty sauces.