🌿 Smyrna Depot Farmers Market: A Community Dream That Keeps Growing

“We need a local farmers market!”

In 2013, something beautiful happened in Smyrna.

A local leader jumped on Facebook and asked a simple question: “What would you like to see in the newly opened Train Depot?”

The response? Explosive.

“We need a local farmers market!”

And just like that, a community vision was born.

At the time, Carpe Artista’s Carpe Café was still young, but we listened. In partnership with Smyrna Parks and Recreation—who manages the Train Depot and surrounding grounds—we launched the very first season of what would become the Smyrna Depot Farmers Market (SDFM).

What started as a response to a Facebook post has become one of the most vibrant Saturday morning traditions in our town.

🌱 From 25 Vendors to 45+ — And Growing

Fast forward to 2021.

Carpe engaged current Market Director Jenni Hollingsworth-Evras, who had previously been a creative vendor herself. She loved the market and wanted to see it continue—and grow.

And grow it has.

Building on the strong foundation laid by former market directors Amanda Johnstone and Nikki Sasser, Jenni hit the ground running. This year marks her 6th season leading the SDFM.

Here’s what growth looks like:

• • 2021: Average of 25 vendors
• • 2025: Average of 45 vendors, plus food trucks, live music, and expanded sponsors
• • Attendance growth: From around 400 shoppers per Saturday to 1,000+ each week

And 2026? We’re expecting another season of strong Saturday morning momentum.

🛍️ More Than Produce — A Celebration of Local Creativity

While locally grown farm produce remains at the heart of the market, today’s SDFM reflects the incredible diversity of Smyrna’s creative and agricultural community.

• You’ll now find:
• Local bakers & coffee roasters
• Fresh meat & eggs
• Foraged mushrooms
• Fresh-squeezed lemonade
• Jewelry makers
• Woodworkers & 3D printers
• Candle makers & crochet artists
• Local authors
• Visual artists, painters, potters
• And so much more
• The secret to the market’s growth?

A focused commitment to locally grown and locally created products—combined with a rich diversity of offerings.

🏆 Statewide Recognition

Since its launch in 2013, the SDFM has been chosen two seasons in a row as the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s prestigious “Pick Ten” Market, selected from farmers markets across the entire state of Tennessee.

That recognition reflects what we already knew: something special is happening at the Depot.

💛 The Heart Behind the Market

Every Saturday during the season, you’ll find Jenni going live on Facebook—connecting directly with the community and sharing that week’s vendor lineup.

When asked why she does it, Jenni shared:

“I love it! I love being a part of something that’s growing and supports local artisans. Since I was a local business owner myself, I love watching the vendors grow their businesses from fledgling to sometimes being featured in brick-and-mortar establishments. It’s an honor to be part of someone’s story as they build their business. I can help create a community that supports them reaching their small business dreams.”

That heart for small businesses is exactly what fuels this market.

🍁 Expanding Into Fall

In 2024, Jenni led the launch of an additional Fall Market at Gregory Mills Park, beginning the first Saturday in October and running through most of November.

This extension gives vendors the opportunity to offer:

Fall harvest produce

Seasonal baked goods

Holiday-ready creative products

And it allows our community to continue shopping local right into the holiday season.

🤝 Strong Community Partnerships

The Smyrna Depot Farmers Market thrives because of meaningful partnerships, including:

Smyrna Parks and Recreation (our main partner)

Smyrna Independent Merchants Association (SIMA)

Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Pulse

Giles Creek Elementary (Back-to-School Bash partnership since 2023)

Among Others

The market isn’t just an event—it’s part of Smyrna’s larger story of community, collaboration, and local economic vitality.

📅 2026 Season Details

Mark your calendars!

🗓 Season runs May 9 – September 19
📍 Smyrna Train Depot
📝 Vendor registration is now open on the Carpe Artista website
✔ Weekly registrations available
✔ Discounts for full-season registration
✔ Application required

🌟 More Than a Market

The Smyrna Depot Farmers Market began as a community request. Today, it’s a weekly celebration of local growers, makers, musicians, and dreamers.

It’s neighbors meeting neighbors.
It’s small businesses taking brave steps forward.
It’s Saturday mornings that feel like home.

And we can’t wait to see you there. 🌿