National Farmers Market Contest Begins

Not long ago there were none, but Tucker now has the distinction of having three farmers markets, all vying for attention and customers.

On Sundays there is , launched in April by the Olde Town Tucker Mercants Association (OTTMA) under its president Linda Karr () with lots of help from Jamey Wilson of . 

Then we have on Wednesdays. Donna Toepfler's market on wheels, from Riverview Farms, makes its weekly stop outside at 4882, LaVista Road.

rounds out the trio on Thursday afternoons, situated outside the building on Main Street. Nancy Qarmout and Leanne O’Rea are in charge of this one.

So which one do you prefer?

Now, farmers market shoppers can vote for their favorite markets during American Farmland Trust’s Fourth Annual America’s Favorite Farmers Markets™ contest.

A press release sent this week explains:

According to the contest rules, people can vote for as many participating farmers markets as they choose, but can only vote for each market once.  Voting runs through midnight Sept. 3, when one small, one medium, one mid-size, and one large market will win the title of “America’s Favorite Farmers Market” for 2012. 

The winning markets will be featured in the media and will be honored at local celebrations organized by American Farmland Trust.

The summer long competition aims to see which farmers markets can generate the most votes from their customers. The goal of the contest is to promote the role that farmers markets play in keeping family farmers on the land.  

As part of the contest, a $1,000 Farmers Market Inspiration Award, sponsored by the Farmers Market Coalition, will be presented to a farmer showing the greatest dedication to his/her market.