ABOUT US
At Rabbit Valley Farmers Market, we believe in promoting a healthy and sustainable food system that is interconnected with our community. We envision a future in which Ringgold and Catoosa County can be proud of their ability to provide diverse, fresh, and locally sourced food to consumers. Our market is not only a place to purchase wholesome and delicious products, but a gathering point for farmers, producers, and consumers to learn about the community's food system.
Director's Message
I'm humbled by the generosity of our supporters, farmers, donors, volunteers, and artists. What began as a way to simply sell local produce, increase business for farmers, and revitalize local business after COVID, has developed into an ever growing non-profit striving to create positive change in the tri-county area.
​
We are excited to see what next season brings, and we look forward to sharing this journey as we cultivate and grow within the community. We thank all the people and businesses who have stood by us and continue to be a vital part of the market, and we appreciate every single one of you more than I can adequately express.
​
With Gratitude,
Samantha K Leslie
MARKET IMPACT
14,736 Attendees
1,668 Child POP Club Participants
30+ Musical Acts Performing
36 Youth Vendor Participants
120 Local Vendors Registered
16 Full-Time Farmers Partnered
​
​
Sponsors and Donations
With business sponsorships and donations totaling $32,500, the RVFM was able to run a 21-week season and host 2 special events while keeping vendor fees affordable and admission free to the public.
Our Team
Samantha Leslie
Executive Director/Market Manager
Sam started with a career as a Respiratory Therapist and then spent over a decade as an award-winning blogger, documenting her life on a 30 acre farm with 8 home educated children. She's an advocate for farmers, a promoter of music, and a fiber artist. Her favorite farm animal is her dairy cow.
Drew Thams
Finance Director
Andrew Carl Thams began his financial career in San Francisco as an Intercompany Staff Accountant for IPG Global. Since then he has been the Administrative Manager for The Walden School and the Financial Director for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chattanooga. Andrew is also a farmer, a musician, and a community organizer.
Brandy Johnson
Community Outreach Coordinator
A Chattanooga native, Brandy graduated from UTC with a degree in Mass Communications, where she was the Chi Omega Sorority Social Chair, Campus Activities Chair, and the Student Homecoming Chair. She won the Public Service Award in 2005. She resides in Ringgold and is the mother of two wonderful daughters, Aubrey and Emma.
VISIT
THE
MARKET
The Rabbit Valley Farmers Market happens each Saturday
from 9am to 1pm
from Mid-May to Mid-October.
Experience the market in Downtown Ringgold!
