By JEFF FARRELL

Staff Writer

GATLINBURG — Gatlinburg’s new farmers market reminds some local folks of a bygone era for the city when there were a lot more local folks selling their goods than there have been for a while.

The new market is being held from 8 until 11:30 a.m. Saturdays in a portion of the parking lot for Alamo Steakhouse on Highway 321. It started a few weeks ago, but organizers set the grand opening for last week because they figured they’d start getting more produce by then.

Vendors and customers seemed impressed with what they found.

“This is what the Glades (community) used to be like, and hopefully it’s coming back,” said Edward Fitch as he perused homemade soaps from Cotton Creek Soap Company.

Owner Tracy Gebhart was selling eggs in addition to her soaps. By about 10:30 a.m. Saturday, she’d sold out of eggs. Some other vendors had already sold out of all their merchandise and left by then, said Megan Jones, organizer of the market.

The idea for the market had come up a few times, and several months ago some interested people got together and organized to see it happen. They’ve gotten support from the city and the community, and they’re pretty happy with what’s happened so far, she said.

“There’s never been a farmers market in Gatlinburg,” she said. “This is going to make the community even better.

For Saturday’s event they had local produce, as well as potted plants and herbs people could grow around their homes if they want to get started.

They had music and other entertainment, too. There’s no charge to come by, but vendors must pay a small feet to set up, Jones explained.

The simplest way to do that is online at gatlinburgfarmersmarket.weebly.com. People can also call Jones at 654-4665.

If they’re planning on being part of the market, they need to be set up and registered by 7:30 a.m., she explained.

The markets will be held every Saturday until Nov. 20.

jfarrell@themountainpress.com