The Nashville Farmers Market shook the dust off and stretched out the winter neck crick at the beginning of May and is scheduled to stay open until the last weekend of October. It is open on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Brown County Inn parking lot (51 E. State Road 46).

Market Manager Sonja Scott told the Democrat that they have around 25 vendors every weekend, with a few full-season and many revolving day vendors. Season vendors pay for a booth in advance every weekend while the market is open, and day vendors show up when they are available for the price of $15 per booth.

“The focus of the market is to promote and encourage local grown food,” Scott said. “I encourage people of the community to come out and support local businesses. I think mindset can be a barrier of supporting small businesses. Looking at first initial costs of shopping at small businesses, they might cost a little more money than larger stores like Walmart. I encourage people to support local people, these are your neighbors. They rely on their community to make a living and to continue providing what they do for the community. I am passionate about supporting small businesses. Maybe it’s because my parents were both entrepreneurs when I was growing up, so I see the value.”

Scott gave a rough estimate of around 400 people who attend.

Products found at the market include produce, eggs, meat, micrograins, baked goods, plants, coffee, made-from-scratch crafts, art, jewelry, baskets, canine baked goods, glassware, trees, tie dye, quilting, carpentry and more. There are also various services that can be found at random at the market including a sharpening service and massages.

Local businesses hoping to set up a booth can visit www.nashvilleindianafarmersmarket.com/get-involved for the handbook and application.

There is also live music and food trucks for attendees to enjoy.

“We are a pet friendly market,” Scott said. “As long as they have their dogs on a leash, they are friendly and people clean up after them, pets are welcome.”

Speaking of pet-friendly, for animal lovers and local supporters, the annual Brown County Humane Society Barn Sale is on the books for Aug. 8 through Aug. 10 at the Away A Day RV Campground (5515 State Road 46).

Megan Gushwa, Community Relations Manager at the Brown County Humane Society said that the Barn Sale is one of the largest annual events to benefit the shelter. The Humane Society will be accepting donations for things like antiques, collectibles, furniture, boats, tools, gardening supplies, jewelry, appliances and more from Aug. 2 through Aug. 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m..

The barn sale is the largest yard sale in Brown County and all proceeds go directly back into helping the animals.

The dog days have just begun and other summer events include the Indiana State Fingerstyle Guitar Festival on July 27 at the Brown County Playhouse (70 S. Van Buren Street). The festival includes a fingerstyle guitar competition with over 30 applicants from across the world and performances by Mark Sganga, Brian Henke and Bryce Mullins.

The RE/MAX Back to school bash on July 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Deer Run Park (1001 Deer Run Lane) is scheduled to have hot air balloon rides, live music, face painting, food trucks, a bounce house and more in exchange for school supply donations.

For those looking to spend more of their summer in nature, the Brown County Soil and Water Conservation District has been hosting free nature journaling workshops every friday from 10 a.m. to noon at Deer Run Park (1001 Deer Run Lane) and is scheduled to wrap up the workshops next Friday. These workshops are for people of all ages with a journal, writing utensil, water bottle and creative vision.

Coyote Radio Show and Duke’s Indy’s Pickin’ in the Backwoods Music Festival is on the calendar for Aug. 16 and 17 at Valley Branch Retreat (2620 Valley Branch Road). Brown Countians know how unique our hills and woods are, it’s time they get the recognition they deserve. The festival is scheduled to have over 30 bands, free camping and parking, food trucks, vendors and campfire jams.

One last upcoming festival for the bluegrass music fans of Brown County is the 59th annual Southern Indiana Blues Festival at Bill Monroe’s Music Park and Campground (5163 N. State Road 135, Morgantown) from Aug. 22 through Aug. 24, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m..