John Saul started growing mushrooms as a hobby eight years ago. It’s not a hobby anymore, as Saul now distributes mushrooms across the state of Florida.
Saul, one of the owners of Play of Sunlight Mushrooms, is a strong advocate for the Tallahassee Farmers Market.
“The Tallahassee Farmers Market is very special. We have been with the market for five years and it is managed very smart,” Saul said.
Located in the yard at Cornerstone Church off Thomasville Road near the public library’s northeast branch, the Tallahassee Farmers Market offers year-round produce. Local farmers come out every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon to sell their items, varying from fruits and vegetables to cheeses and teas to soaps.
The market began as Tallahassee Curb Market on Gaines Street, which operated from the 1930-1950s. In 1978, the market moved to a pavilion in Market Square and the Tallahassee Farmers Market was established. The market has more than 25 vendors and many use organic or natural growing methods. In 2019, the market moved to Kerry Forest Parkway for bigger space and to allow more vendors to participate.
“We have worked with the market for nine years. We grow vegetables and other produce and I enjoy seeing everyone come out every Saturday morning and enjoying the vendors, we hope to continue this tradition,” said Katie Harris from Full Earth Farm.
The market is open to diversity and supportive of all income brackets. Most vendors accept various forms of payment including cash, checks, credit cards and seasonal Farmers Market Nutrition Program Vouchers.
“Kombucha is a fermented drink. You have something called Scobi which we turn into the probiotic belly goodness. We also sell granolas and teas. We love coming out to the farmer’s market. We have been out here for a couple of years now and we just love working with a diverse customer base,” said Andrea Melendez, Tally Kombucha brand ambassador.
With the influx of online shopping, the market plans on adding an online market for those who cannot physically attend the weekly events. On the website you can choose what produce you would like and get it delivered to your home.
“This was my first time at the Farmers Market, and it reminds me of home, I can buy everything I need at an affordable price. I can visit other shops in the area, I will be coming back,” said Isadora Saint-Juste, a Florida A&M student.
Occasionally the market will have cooking demonstrations and other events throughout the year. For more information on upcoming events, you can visit the Facebook page and website at Tallahassee Farmers Market