In cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) nationwide farmers market initiative, the Mississippi Farmers Market will host its own Great American Farmers Market event on Saturday, August 9, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Great American Farmers Market initiative is part of America250, a nonpartisan, multi-year mission commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. The overarching goal of the USDA’s Great American Farmers Market weeklong showcase, held during National Farmers Market Week, August 3-8, 2025, in Washington, D.C., is to bring farmers, ranchers, producers and consumers together in celebration of American agriculture.
“Farmers markets are the backbone of local economies and community growth,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson, “The Great American Farmers Market initiative shines a light on the essential role of farmers and agriculture, which remains Mississippi’s largest industry. Our farmers provide the food, fiber and shelter needed by all, and our farmers markets provide a meeting place for those from all walks of life to come together. I invite everyone to come out and join us at the Mississippi Farmers Market this Saturday to celebrate our great nation’s upcoming anniversary and our rich, agricultural heritage.”
This event is the first-of-its-kind and offers visitors the opportunity to support local growers, engage in educational demonstrations, enjoy patriotic festivities and take part in the nationwide celebration of agriculture. In addition to the Mississippi Farmers Market’s usual vendors, the Great American Farmers Market event will feature family-friendly activities, specialty food vendors, patriotic photo-ops and so much more.
The Mississippi Farmers Market’s Great American Farmers Market Event will include:
- A variety of fruits and vegetables; meat and dairy products; coffee; jams and jellies; breads and other baked goods; flowers and other plants; handcrafted items; and more available for purchase from over 45 of the market’s regular vendors;
- Specialty food vendors Frios Gourmet Pops of Metro Jackson selling handmade popsicles in a variety of specialty flavors and J&D Blueberry Farm of Poplarville selling blueberry flavored lemonade, muffins and other treats;
- Kids’ Corner offering facepainting, chalk art and games and a scavenger hunt with prizes;
- Educational booth hosted by the Master Gardeners;
- Live dish garden demonstration showcasing how to design and build a mini-indoor garden using the “thriller, filler, spiller” technique hosted by the Green Oak Florist and Garden Center;
- Complimentary popcorn, tote bags and fun, informative materials provided by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Mississippi Farmers Market, Mississippi Egg Marketing Board and Genuine MS®;
- Special appearances by several Mississippi agricultural queens, including Miss Rodeo Mississippi Sierra Greene, Miss Dixie National Rodeo Harley Vinzant, Junior Miss Dixie National Rodeo Shelby Kate Taylor, Miss Dixie National Princess Annalise Lavender and Miss Mississippi Watermelon Queen Kaelyn Hollingsworth.
This event is free and open to the public, with on-site parking available.
The Mississippi Farmers Market, a division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, will be open for its final summer Thursday Market this Thursday, August 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and year-round every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For additional information about the Mississippi Farmers Market, visit www.msfarmersmarket.com or follow the Mississippi Farmers Market on Facebook, Instagram and X.