Athens Saturday Market: Produce, Pets and Patriotism – Tourism

Coolbone Brass Band of New Orleans, pet parade and fresh food at July 6 market

Shopping for fresh, local produce just got jazzy along with pet-friendly and patriotic.

For the July 6 Athens Saturday Market, there will be a pet and children’s parade led by the Coolbone Brass Band of New Orleans. Steve “Coolbone” Johnson grew up in New Orleans and played with several brass bands until Hurricane Katrina disbursed players throughout the country. Johnson settled in North Alabama.

“We in North Alabama are fortunate that Coolbone settled (here) and brought jazz with him,” said Patrick Chesnut, entertainment chairman for the market committee.

The Athens Saturday Market Committee will also hand out patriotic Mardi Gras-style beads and patriotic tattoos in honor of the Fourth of July being this week. Children can make Uncle Sam Mardi Gras-style masks or a crown.

“Of course the market is to promote buying fresh produce from local farmers, so we want to emphasize that we have vendors with tomatoes, corn, squash, beans and cucumbers,” said Market Committee Chairwoman Laurie Glenn.

She said other produce that is beginning to come in plentifully includes peaches, blueberries and blackberries.

“We also have vendors who are providing coffee, hummus, goat cheese and other products,” Glenn said.

The market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon. The Coolbone Brass Band will perform from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The pet and children’s parade will start at 10:30 a.m.

For more information about the Athens Saturday Market and its weekly programs, go online at www.athenssaturdaymarket.com.

Coolbone Brass Band Members
Shelman “Drew” Miller on tuba
Reginald “Reggie” Hill on trumpet
Daniel “Muddy Waters” Newton on saxophone
Brian “B.B.” Brownlee on trumpet
Isaac “Jolly” Jolly on trumpet
Steve “Coolbone” Johnson on trombone
TRISHA BLACK
Spirit of Athens Director
LAURIE GLENN
Market Committee Chair
HOLLY HOLLMAN
Publicity Committee
By: Holly Hollman