By Courtney Marcelo Norton

When Katie Hayes and Suzanne Welander set out to start a farmer’s market in Grant Park, they were looking to create something more than a place to buy vegetables.

“We see a farmer’s market as a modern town square,” says Hayes, market director for both Grant Park and its sister market in East Atlanta Village.  In keeping with the town square model, Grant Park’s market, which debuted on May 15 and runs Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., aims to get neighbors together with a focus on culinary education, gardening, nutrition and wellness.

In addition to offering fresh produce, the market features ready-to-eat items from food truck vendors like Grace’s Goodness, that purveyor of locally-sourced delights (think toasted pecan butter and artisan pimento cheese).  Chef Seth Freedman of Ruby Root Connections hosts culinary demonstrations using seasonal ingredients that are affordable and easy, such as five-ingredient or one-pot meals.  Kids will enjoy gardening activities and educational projects coordinated by Chikin Feed, a company dedicated to fostering nutritional literacy in children.

The market is located at Milledge Fountain off Cherokee Avenue and will run until Nov. 20. Admission is free.  Street parking is available on Cherokee nd Boulevard.

For more information on the market, and to see a calendar of upcoming events, visit the Grant Park Conservancy at gpconservancy.org.