The revamped Quitman Farmers & Artisans Market officially opened its new season March 14, drawing a crowd of community members who took advantage of the beautiful weather to support local vendors.

Held in the Origin Bank parking lot at 412 E. Goode Street, the market opened at 9 a.m. and quickly filled with visitors browsing booths, sampling treats and visiting with vendors. The open-air market featured a wide variety of local vendors offering everything from baked goods and handmade crafts to boutique items, plants and specialty foods. Many booths also featured services that ranged from photography to prayer. 

Shoppers also enjoyed live music by East Texas group Gypsum and the Travelers, whose upbeat performance provided a lively backdrop for the morning’s shopping and socializing. Many visitors grabbed breakfast or lunch from Mobile Munchies Texas while enjoying the music and exploring the vendor booths.

A special Market Passport contest encouraged shoppers to visit multiple booths, collecting vendor stamps for a chance to enter the market’s opening day giveaway. The fun addition helped introduce visitors to the many local businesses that make up the market community.

Among the vendors participating in opening weekend were Amber’s Sweet Creations, AutumnMist Boutique, Blue Meadows Plants and Paintings, Down Home Simplicity Designs, Dragonfly Crafts, Fergie Farm, Grandma Mikke’s, Hamilton’s 20 Acres, Lil Red Hen Farm, Red’s Bakery, Sandy’s Spice Shop, Sweet Crafters and many others offering unique local products.

The Quitman Farmers & Artisans Market is a community-driven market that brings together farmers, bakers, artisans and small businesses from across the region. Organizers say the goal is simple: create a welcoming space where neighbors can meet, small businesses can thrive, and shoppers can find fresh, locally made goods.

The market will continue every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 412 E. Goode Street in Quitman.