Thomley’s Fall Market will bring local farmers, artisans and families together Saturday, offering residents an opportunity to shop locally, explore handmade goods and spend time outdoors during the fall season.
The market will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Thomley’s Christmas Tree Farm & Gift Shop, 50 Hegwood Road in Hattiesburg. The event will feature vendors selling locally made products and live demonstrations of glassmaking, pottery and music. The market is part of the farm’s effort to give local makers a place to showcase their work while connecting with area residents and customers.
Jeremy Thomley, who purchased the nearly century-old farm in 2020, said the fall market grew out of the farm’s existing farmers markets. After organizers began hosting monthly farmersmarkets three years ago, they found that many prospective vendors offered crafts and handmade goods rather than produce.
“We just try to give them a place so that they can show what they have made,” Thomley said.
His wife, Lindsay, coordinates the markets, which have expanded from an initial group of about 15 vendors to a network of roughly 60 regular participants. Thomley said the events attractnearly 6,000 visitors and can feature about 200 vendors.
“When you truly buy local from someone who made something with their hands,” Thomley said. “You’re obviously a blessing to that vendor.”
Thomley said supporting local artisans and producers helps strengthen relationships among vendors and residents while encouraging shoppers to spend money within their communities.
He encourages residents to take advantage of the cooler fall weather by spending time outdoors and supporting local businesses. Thomley said visitors can make a day of exploring community events, even if they cannot attend the entire market.
The farm will also host a holiday market Nov. 14, continuing its effort to connect southeast Mississippi residents with local producers and makers.
Contributor: Aiden Le
