ANNISTON, Ala. — The City of Anniston Farmers Market is entering its 2026 season with renewed outreach efforts aimed at diversifying its vendor base, specifically in the area of items that are not jam.

The market, which operates Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at Noble Street Park, currently has seven active jam vendors. It has two gourd vendors. It has one vendor selling what the application describes as "mixed seasonal vegetables," though the vendor has not yet confirmed attendance for the spring season.

"We love our jam vendors," said the market's director, who asked not to be identified and who is responsible for the market's day-to-day operations. "We just feel like there might be room for other categories."

The director listed the categories currently under-represented: fresh produce, eggs, baked goods other than jam-adjacent items, meat, cut flowers, and anything a person could eat for lunch.

"We had a tamale vendor briefly," the director said. "That was a high point."

The market is open to all vendors who complete an application, pay a $25 seasonal fee, and comply with Calhoun County health regulations. Jam vendors are welcome and have historically returned at a rate of 95%.

"The jam vendors are very committed," the director said.

The 2026 season runs through October. Applications are available through the City of Anniston Parks and Recreation Department. The director noted that a person could theoretically bring fresh tomatoes and sell out within forty minutes.

"Produce goes fast," the director said. "Jam goes consistently."

The market expects approximately 200 visitors on a typical Saturday morning. Most of them buy jam. Several have noted this.