Prepare to have your dinner and shop for it too as the Isle of Palms Recreation Department launches its Farmer’s Market & Food Truck Jam series on June 20 featuring fresh produce, food vendors, live music and more.
IOP Rec Center Assistant Recreation Director Tammy Cox, who coordinates the event, said there are more than 80 vendors scheduled for June. “It’s been growing every year,” stated Cox about the Farmer’s Market, which is now entering its fourth season.
The Food Truck Jam is a new addition this year that aims to provide a cultural cuisine experience, serving up local flavors and dishes from around the country and the world. Last year there were only one to two food trucks per event, but those numbers have increased to nine food trucks and two food vendors in 2024, running the gamut of fare from Lowcountry staples, lobster and mac and cheese to Polish, Thai and Greek.
Cox further noted that the specialty food category has tripled this year, encompassing a smorgasbord of items such as cookies, nuts, pimento cheese, beef jerky, freeze-dried candy, ice cream and organic honey.
They have also added more craft and artisan vendors, with people selling their wares including woodcrafts, jewelry and clothing. Additionally, there will be free kids’ activities like face painting, balloon art, fairy hair and a hula hoop station.
And the Farmer’s Market hasn’t forgotten your four-legged fur family either. Pet vendors have expanded from three to eight this year with dog accessories, gourmet dog foods, in-home vet services, pet snacks and more. There will also be pet crafts, with water-soluble paints for dogs to dip their paws in to render their own ‘Paw’-blo Picasso masterpiece.
The Farmer’s Market will host musical performances from the Blue Plantation Band, who play bluegrass, country, folk, rock, ‘80s and more. They performed last year and are back by popular demand. People are welcome to bring lounge chairs and sit and enjoy the entertainment, said Cox.
Isle of Palms Fire and Police departments will be on site as well to answer questions from the public. “It’s an event that brings people together,” noted Cox. “It’s a great way to celebrate our island. A low cost for families and it helps support our local vendors and our local food trucks.”
The IOP Farmer’s Market will be held every third Thursday through October from 4-7 p.m. Admission is free and open to everyone. Vendor registration is available to anyone in the Charleston area.
By Colin McCandless
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