Oxford City Market Preparing for Opening of 2015 Season

The Oxford City Market is gearing up for it’s spring season which begins this Tuesday at 3 p.m. for their first market of 2015. The market’s mission, according to director Betsey Chapman is “to build business opportunities for local producers of artisan foods, enrich the social fabric of Oxford so people can learn how to live healthier lives, and improve access for affordable, healthy food.”

The opening on Tuesday will feature music from local artist Tyler Keith, as well as a “Chef at the Market” cooking demonstration from Sean Adams of Honey Bee Bakery. There will be activities for children sponsored by the Mississippi Sustainable Agriculture Network to provide learning experiences about local farming and produce.

The market has been open for three seasons now, and is just part of an overall wellness movement that is taking place in Oxford. “People are becoming interested in knowing about what they are eating, and at the market customers can talk to the farmers and learn where and how their food is grown,” Chapman said.

Vendors at the market will sell anything from fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables to homemade jams and crafts as well as some meats and eggs. Most that come to sell their wares at the market hail from Oxford or Lafayette County, but some sellers come from as far away as Tupelo, Batesville and other places in Mississippi.

The market has created a special “OXCM Double Up Bucks” program working with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for people who use food stamp vouchers. These customers may attend the market and receive a double the value to purchase healthier food from the market. “Hunger is a health issue and we are here to help the community fight it,” Chapman said.

During the upcoming season on alternating Tuesdays, Southern Star Yoga will provide free community yoga. Every third Tuesday will feature a Mom’s Market Meet- Up, sponsored by Organic Mothers, where mothers can exchange healthy recipes for their families and shop while their children are entertained.

The Oxford City Market is made possible by support from the community and donations from local businesses such as the City Grocery restaurant group, High Point Coffee, and The Local Voice. “We are continually seeking partners that help us grow to be the market that Oxford needs,” Chapman said. Individuals may become “friends of the the market” for a donation of ten dollars to help the market grown in up coming seasons, or may volunteer to help at the market.

The market will be open to the public from 3 to 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday until November 25. Those wishing to sponsor the market or who would like more information should contact Betsy Chapman at (662) 832-7257 or by email at betseychapman@oxfordms.net.

Olivia Morgan is a HottyToddy.com staff reporter and can be reached at olmorgan@go.olemiss.edu.