Saturday Market Newsletter April 2025

We have a new farm family joining the market this year. Palmer Farms, Ian and Ashley Palmer,  from Lewisburg, Tennessee, will be at the market on opening day and throughout the season. The Palmers began their journey in 2015 with two primary goals: to raise the finest quality lamb and to enhance the land sustainably for future generations to enjoy. Ian dedicates his daily efforts to tending to the sheep and the farm, consistently focusing on the production and welfare of the sheep along with overall improvements of the farm and its pastures. Meanwhile, Ashley, who is a skilled small animal veterinarian, lends her expertise in the evenings and takes charge of overseeing the health and well-being of all the sheep, ensuring they thrive under her careful watch. For premium, pasture-raised lamb, visit them at the Saturday Market this season. Check out their Facebook (Palmer Farms) and website https://www.palmerlamb.com

We are trying to keep everyone cool this summer at the market with our focus on “cool-treats.” We have added King of Pops to the vendor lineup this season, with Cassie and Sean Myers from here in Murfreesboro. “We love our community for its growth of new families, the vibrant energy of MTSU, and the live music and events that define this city. We hope King of Pops is an addition that continues to enhance the joy and togetherness that make Murfreesboro a place we're proud to call home.” We are delighted they will be a part of the cheerful market vibe this season. Look for their rainbow umbrella pop-cart around the market on opening day and throughout the season.

Sanders Bros. Coffee will be back at the market this season from May-October. According to Cary, they have once again sourced coffee from their good friends and direct trade partners Ashley and Julia Williams in Honduras. So, this year at the market they will have available three different beans from them, in support of their mission- to provide a better life for their workers and the community of Cerro Bueno. Also new this year they will have single serve pods available. "There has been a demand for these for several years and we have met it, with very good feedback!" Look for the Sanders Bros Coffee trailer in their regular spot at the market. And as always, shop farmer's markets and know where your food (and coffee) come from.

Visitors to downtown Murfreesboro’s Public Square will now find a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing trash disposal solution. Main Street Murfreesboro, in partnership with the City of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County, has introduced twelve modern “Bigbelly” trash containers to replace the outdated metal cans that were inadequate in size and posed safety risks for both the public and Solid Waste employees.

These new trash cans not only enhance efficiency but also incorporate elements of Murfreesboro’s history. Each container features historic photos, a design made possible through collaboration with the Rutherford County Archives. The images align with each streetscape where the trash cans are located, providing pedestrians with a visual connection to the area’s historical significance.

“This was a great collaborative project between Main Street Murfreesboro, the City of Murfreesboro, and the Rutherford County Courthouse,” said Sarah Callender, Executive Director of Main Street Murfreesboro. “With the increase in foot traffic downtown, the older metal cans with open tops were no longer sufficient, often leading to overflowing garbage on sidewalks. This new design not only improves waste management but also enriches the area with historical context.”

Murfreesboro Solid Waste Director Russell Gossett also praised the project, noting that the older trash cans had become outdated and ineffective. “It was time for the old containers to go,” Gossett said. “I’m thankful for Main Street’s leadership in advocating for beautifying downtown with these new containers. We hope residents and visitors appreciate the improvement.”