By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – A beloved summer tradition is back in full swing as the award-winning Montevallo Farmers’ Market opened for its 15th season on Monday, June 2.

Hosted annually by the Montevallo Chamber of Commerce, Montevallo First Baptist Church and the city of Montevallo, the market will run every Monday from 3 to 6 p.m. through Monday, Aug. 18 at 660 Main Street, behind Montevallo First Baptist Church.

Recently named Shelby Living’s Best Farmers’ Market for the second consecutive year, the Montevallo Farmers’ Market continues to grow in both size and spirit.

“We’ve got a really good group of local growers this year,” said Adele Nelson, executive director of the Montevallo Chamber of Commerce. “The market also offers flowers, handmade soaps, salves, candles, lotions, lemonade, peanuts, baked goods, honey, jams, jellies and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.”

New to this year’s vendor lineup is Irish Twin Farm, joining a group of 16 to 20 vendors expected each week. The market is certified by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and is an associate member of Sweet Grown Alabama.

Produce offerings this season include strawberries, blueberries, plums, peaches, pole beans, red and Irish potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, zucchini, broccoli, peppers, corn and collards. Shoppers will also find unique items such as golf ball and tree carvings, flower arrangements, homemade lemonade, bath bombs, baked goods like peanut butter balls and apple pie, and a wide variety of preserves such as squash pickles, relish, apple butter, honey, jams and jellies.

Over the years, the market has expanded to include special events like National Farmers Market Week, Sweet Grown Alabama Days and the K.A.S.H. Market for young entrepreneurs, which will take place on Monday, June 23 as part of the Montevallo Monday Market.

Visitors can also expect live music, children’s activities and themed days including Watermelon Day with free watermelon slices, a Father’s Day drawing, Montevallo Middle School Football Day and Eat Your Veggies Day.

“Nothing beats shopping for freshness and educating children on healthy eating by meeting the growers themselves,” Nelson said.

The Parnell Memorial Library will also return to the market this year, offering information about library events and services.

First-time visitors can find the market located in the grassy, fenced-in overflow lot behind Montevallo First Baptist Church, with parking available in the paved lot. The market’s information tent offers helpful resources like the Chamber Chatter newsletter, Shelby County Visitor’s Guide, Montevallo maps, church info and the 2025 reusable market bag.

“The most precious thing you come away with is the warmth of community spirit,” Nelson said. “This market is a true partnership between the city, the church and the chamber.”

The market also supports seniors through the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries’ Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. The program is still open to residents aged 60 and older, though funding is limited. For details on qualifications and how to apply, visit Agi.alabama.gov/farmersmarket.

The following sponsors are supporting the Montevallo Farmers’ Market:

– Alfa Insurance/Shawn Payne

– Health Services Inc./Montevallo Family Health Center

– Trustmark Bank

– Montevallo ACE Hardware

– Montevallo First Baptist Church

– The Type Shop

– The city of Montevallo

To learn more, get involved as a vendor or volunteer or to stay updated on weekly offerings, follow the Montevallo Farmers’ Market Facebook page or email montevallochamber@gmail.com.