CLARKSVILLE, TN – Clarksville Parks and Recreation is rallying the community to cast their votes for the Clarksville Downtown Market in the 16th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration hosted by the American Farmland Trust. Voting is open from now through July 31.
The 2024 Celebration will distribute $15,000 in total cash awards to the top five markets in the United States. The awards are as follows: $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second place, $1,500 for third place, $750 for fourth place, $250 for fifth place, and $100 to the top market in each state. These funds will support marketing, communications, and other initiatives to enhance the market’s reach and impact.
American Farmland Trust, a national nonprofit dedicated to saving farmland, promoting sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on their land, has organized the Celebration for 16 years. This initiative highlights the critical role farmers markets play in providing communities with access to fresh, locally grown food and fostering direct connections between farmers and consumers.
The Clarksville Downtown Market currently has 22 farmers, 62 artisan vendors, 14 food concessionaires, and 73 fill-in vendors for a total of 171 local small businesses.
“We are incredibly proud of the Clarksville Downtown Market and its contribution to our community,” said Jennifer Letourneau, Director of Clarksville Parks and Recreation. “This competition is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our market on a national stage and secure funding that will further support our local farmers and vendors. We urge everyone to vote and help us continue to grow and thrive.”
To cast your vote, visit https://markets.farmland.org/markets/9504528.