This is the scene from the first FHUMC Market last October.

After successful fall launch, event returns
Brentwood Home Page news reports
The Forest Hills United Methodist Church Farmers Market will begin its second season this Saturday, June 4, on the grounds of the Old Hickory Boulevard church campus. The Farmers Market will be open on Saturdays from 8 am to noon each week through October.

Twelve farmers are currently signed on to participate and their number may grow. And they'll bring more than just salad makings. Shoppers will find a diverse selection of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and meat. In addition, local food vendors will offer artisan breads, muffins, desserts, canned goods, and pastas each Saturday as well.

“In addition to the increased number of local vendors this year, there are several exciting additions to the market,” explained Leigh Ann Pettus of Brentwood, who organizes the market. “For example, our market will be the freshest place to come for a delicious Saturday breakfast. I am pleased to announce that Savor the Flavor chefs, Eleni Vavouris and Joelle Upton, will prepare yummy omelets with local ingredients straight from the market.”

Vavouris and Upton began their careers creating omelets for many world travelers at the Opryland Hotel. On alternate weeks, the pair will host a French toast station using fresh eggs, breads, and fruits from the market.

On most Saturdays, the market will be held at its familiar spot under the 200-plus-year-old Bur Oak tree in the Forest Hills UMC yard. However on June 18, August 20, and October 22, the market will move to Brentwood's Town Center to help the city celebrate its newest event series, Town Center Saturdays. Organizers of both the market and Town Center Saturdays are committed to serving the community, so it was only natural that the groups join forces to support the local area and local farms.

Also new this year is an event called A Summer Supper – the Celebration of Local Living. This will take place at the FHUMC market on Aug. 27, during the peak of growing season. Volunteers from the church and community will prepare delicious dishes featuring the fresh ingredients from the market. Tickets can be purchased each Saturday during market hours prior to the event.

“As with last year, it is important that the Forest Hills UMC Farmers Market continues to be a unique event in that everyone who will be involved again this year will be giving back to the community," church pastor Jim Hughes explained. "For example, our church wants to support our local farmers, so we will not charge the growers to participate. Instead, growers have been asked to donate portions of their fresh produce each week to Feed America First, a local hunger relief organization.”

The Forest Hills UMC wants to extend the idea of giving back to the community beyond the church by asking area residents to participate in helping with the market.

“We are thrilled that the market has evolved into a weekly gathering place for neighbors and friends who are interested in living and eating well. We have room for anyone who would like to assist with this effort as a greeter, an entertainer or serving water one (or more) Saturday mornings,” Pettus stated. “However, the best way to support this community endeavor is for everyone to make the market a part of his or her Saturday morning routine.”

Although a few farmers have debit card capabilities, patrons are asked to bring either cash or checks to makek their purchases. Forest Hills United Methodist Church is located at 1250 Old Hickory Boulevard in Brentwood.

For more information about the market or to volunteer, please contact Pettus, at 615.376.8013; email her at leighannpettus@yahoo.com, or visit www.foresthillsumc.org.