Sandy Springs Residents are Hungry for Their Farmers Markets

Rain or shine, on most Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. Erin Cianciolo rings a bell to open the Sandy Springs Farmers Market on the City Green. At noon, the manager of the Farmers Market rings the bell to close the popular marketplace that was first opened May 1, 2010, by Andy Bauman and Jeffrey Langfelder in the former Target shopping center where the Sandy Springs City Hall and the Performing Arts Center now anchor the city’s downtown.

“I ring this bell every Saturday morning to open and close the Market,” said Cianciolo. “The bell is in homage to Langfelder who co-founded the Market and passed away a few years ago.”

From its launch with about 30 vendors, offering fresh produce, dairy products, bread, and prepared foods, the Market has blossomed to more than 50 vendors, also selling meat, fish, flowers, jewelry, paintings, and pottery. In addition, there are two musical performances per market and activities for children at the Market, which runs April through November. Sandy Springs’ non-profits also set up their tables.

Farmers market history

While the City Springs structure on 1 Galambos Way was under construction, the Market moved to Heritage Sandy Springs which took over management until 2020 when the City of Sandy Springs became responsible for its operations.

A 40-year resident of Sandy Springs and a graduate of Riverwood High School, Cianciolo became its manager in February 2022. The Market, she says, “has become my passion.” Off season, she visits other farmers markets around Atlanta, “talking to other vendors and thinking about out-of-the-box entertainment,” focusing on the community’s diversity.

Cianciolo was working as a private events planner when the job opened up. Since she had always been a supporter of local businesses, and she jumped at the opportunity. She has stated that her goal is for the Farmers Market to be “a gathering place where families can get out and enjoy everything City Green has to offer.”

“Saturdays are my favorite day of the week,” she adds, noting that her team and the vendors start moving onto the Green at 6:30 a.m.

Customers Rave About the Farmers Market Online

Typically, about 1,000 people attend the Market, according to Cianciolo – many families come every week. Based on online comments from some of these attendees, the Sandy Springs Farmers Market is indeed very popular. “This is a small, local market. Highly recommended for locals,” wrote one. “This market is in the perfect place,” said another.

“Everyone was very friendly, and each vendor I went to accepted credit/debit cards. It’s in a great location. After you shop, you can sit in the green area and relax. Sandy Springs does festivals and markets well,” wrote one.

Still another wrote that a huge plus to the Farmers Market is the availability of benches and outdoor tables with shade from trees and umbrellas. “I love seeing families with kids and pets relaxing, socializing, and playing in the beautifully landscaped space.”

One writer advised potential participants to bring “a big reusable bag with you. You will definitely leave with something,” and likely the participants’ arms will be full.

Not only locals are attracted to the Farmers Market, evidenced by one fan who drives from Doraville. “I’m a fan of farmers markets and have made it to quite a number of them, mostly in-town… I’ve visited the market a few times.”

Several people mentioned the availability of parking in the area, and in fact, parking is available either on the surface streets or in the parking deck, for which the first two hours are free. Dogs are welcome in the plaza and sidewalk areas during Market hours but are not allowed on the Green.

Rick’s Farmers Market Predates the Sandy Springs Farmers Market

Long before the Sandy Springs Farmers Market was first hatched, Rick’s Farmers Market opened in the parking lot of a shopping center at 220 Sandy Springs Circle. Rick Champion said he bought a food stand about 25 years ago, and “there was a fruit stand even before us.”

From mid-April until Halloween, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Rick’s offers seasonal fresh and local fruits and vegetables. “We specialize in getting products from as close to home as I can get,” he said, acknowledging that he buys some peaches from South Carolina. But most of the products are Georgia-grown.

Rick’s Farmers Market has had an operation in East Cobb for 50 years. “I started in high school,” he said. Most customers at the Sandy Springs location are regulars. “It’s the regulars who pay the bills. We strive to give people service.” And when he talks about regulars, he means it: some customers come three or four times a week.

One might think that having the Sandy Springs Farmers Market practically across the street open on Saturdays might hurt Champion’s business, which he runs with sister Pam and a friend. But he says it actually helps him. Apparently Sandy Springs residents can’t get enough fresh produce!Based on the attendance at the Farmers Market, Saturdays appear to be a favorite for a lot of Sandy Springs residents.